The Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has expressed concern over the inauguration of the Joint Task Force set up by the Federal Government on the movement of food items, agricultural inputs and livestock.
It sees the committee’s operation as conflicting with the effort of the Rivers State government to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in the State.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mukan, had assured that the movement of those transporting foods items, including livestock to Rivers State, will no longer be disrupted.
CP Mukan, during the inauguration of the Joint Technical Taskforce Team said: “This is to say that during this period of COVID-19, there are a lot of inconveniences, most especially to the citizens on their basic necessities. So the government feels that they should be allowed to function.
“Food items, we all know, are basic necessities of life. So the government feels that during the lockdown, which is almost everywhere, there is a need for citizens to get what they can get on the table for their families, most especially food items. It is clear that it should be allowed to move wherever farmers want to take their farm products.”
But the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers thinks differently. Its Chairman, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, described the development as a threat to the lives of Rivers people, thus he called on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly intervene
Dandeson, who is also the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, while briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, expressed concern.
“How would the Joint Taskforce start operations with Rivers State without the knowledge, collaboration and consultation of the River State Government,” he queried, adding that, “Rivers people are not the most malnourished in the entire country as to warrant such a hasty decision.”
King Jaja continued: “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 to endanger the lives of the people of Rivers State.”