The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered the immediate closure of intercity motor parks/loading bays in the state starting from Monday as the state begins relaxation of the ongoing lockdown.
This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka on Sunday.
According to Ememanka, the decision of the governor was to check all movements in and outside the State.
Ememanka while quoting Ikpeazu said that only vehicles that operate Intra State routes will be allowed to load passengers across the State, stating that any Transport Company or Operator that flouts this regulation will face the full wrath of the Government of Abia State.
The new regulation must be enforced to the letter by the State Task Force. Vehicles that flout this latest directive must be impounded and the drivers prosecuted.
In addition, Governor Ikpeazu appeals to all market leaders to ensure that all the safety and hygiene protocols are observed within this period within the markets as the three times weekly (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) trading activities in the markets begin Monday.
Ikpeazu warned that the opening of markets should not see the window created by the government for the people to trade, as a reason to let down their guards and pretend that the pandemic is over.
“Every individual trader and all those going to the markets to buy must at all times remember that the pandemic is still potent and active. As such, people must take responsibility for their own safety”. The Governor added.
Ememanka further added “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu makes it abundantly clear that the relaxed lockdown is provisional and that its sustenance will be determined by the way our people show respect to the laid down protocols.
“In the event that people begin to engage in indiscriminate disregard for the protocols, the government shall reconsider its position and reintroduce the full lockdown.
“As the new regime of a phased relaxation of the lockdown in the State commences on Monday next week, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has appealed to the people of Abia State not to let down their guards and see the relaxation of the lockdown as an opportunity to destroy all the gains we have made over the weeks in the battle against the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
Describing the decision to relax the lockdown in phases as government’s desire to strike a balance between two equally important imperatives of managing a public health emergency and sustaining the economic survival of our people, Governor Ikpeazu charged our people to rise to the challenge of taking personal responsibility for their own safety by observing all the laid down protocols of social distancing, the use of face masks and high standards of personal hygiene.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu reminded our people that while the government has allowed Intra State movements for our people, all movements into and out of the State remain banned and challenged those manning our borders to step up their game and see their assignment as a serious one that demands the highest level of patriotism and integrity.
“The Governor ordered the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force together with their team members to increase their surveillance and presence at all borders of the State.
“Governor Ikpeazu further charged all Transition Committee Chairmen of Local Government Areas which border other states as well as Traditional Rulers of border Communities to take personal responsibility in their areas of jurisdiction, making it clear that they will be held personally responsible for any lapses.
“He challenged them to ensure strict compliance with all the laid down protocols for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.”