Rivers State Council Of Chiefs Wants President Buhari To Reverse IGP’s Order On Movement

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of necessity and national interest, intervene and reverse the order of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu on the movement of agricultural products, livestock, goods and services.

Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Chiefs, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja (Jeki V, Amayanabo and Natural Ruler Of Opobo Kingdom), who made the call while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, expressed surprise on why the IGP should unilaterally lift ban on the Presidential Order restricting inter-state movement of trucks and other vehicles other than those on essential duties.

The Council of Chiefs expressed concern over what it described as “the sudden action” of the IGP which it noted constitute a threat to the healthy existence of the Rivers people at this critical period of COVID-19 pandemic.

According to King Douglas Jaja; “We fear that even if the intention was to ensure movement of food, livestock and agricultural equipment, the process could also encourage massive influx of possible bandits, terrorists and COVID-19 infected persons that would endanger the lives of our people.

“Even if it is a national policy, it should not begin with Rivers State, as we are not the most under-nourished state in Nigeria. We fell deeply concerned as the entire episode is hasty and appears to be terminally targeted at our people”.

The Council of Rivers Traditional Rulers therefore, called on President Buhari to move fast and save the lives of Rivers people.