The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Bonny Kingdom, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, Perekule XI, has suggested that for the planned lockdown of Bonny Local Government Area by the Rivers State Government to be effective and achieve its desired result certain modalities have to be put in place.

The revered monarch made this suggestion today at a meeting with the State Governor, Nyesom Wike in Government House, Port Harcourt.

Among the Amanyanabo’s delegation at the meeting were the Bonny Chiefs Council, the Titled Citizens’ Assembly (TCA) of Bonny Kingdom, the Chairman of Bonny LGA, David Irimagha, the member representing Bonny Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Abinye Pepple, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Rodaford Longjohn, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toru Ofili, and the Woman Leader of Bonny Kingdom, Helen Jack-Wilson Pepple, amongst other dignitaries.

In his speech, His Majesty, King Pepple III outlined the strategic issues that should be taken into account before implementing the lockdown.

The former Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers (RSCTR) lamented that there were no health facilities in Bonny LGA.

“What we have is not a General Hospital, there is no requisite manpower and facilities in that place. Of course, there is air pollution in the area and this has made people to doubt the reality of COVID-19.”

He advised that cooperation with the relevant authorities to implement the COVID-19 protocols will help to curb the spread of the virus in the area.

He highlighted the need for medical supplies to be made available for the people, especially, the aged and, particularly, those in the villages during the period of the lockdown.

The King advised that the government consider the provision of palliatives to residents of the area given the consequential economic blockade that will ensue during the lockdown.

He also stressed the need for adequate sensitization to create awareness across the LGA to prepare residents for the impending lockdown.

The King was optimistic that implementation of these measures would ensure the success of the lockdown by stemming the tide of community spread in the area.

He observed that the Nigeria LNG should be appreciated for the support given to the Kingdom and the federal, state and local governments.  

Recall that the General Hospital, Bonny, within which premises the 10 bed COVID-19 Holding Centre is situated, has already been earmarked for upgrade to a 30 bed facility by the multinationals operating in Bonny LGA. The facility and equipment therein were provided by the Nigeria LNG.

Kristina Reports checks reveal that Governor Wike is currently engaging various stakeholders to finetune plans for the lockdown, which is envisaged to shut down the rich island community.