By Nwaorgu Faustinus
Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned Governor Nyesom Wike to do everything within his power not to allow the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) spread to the state.
The opposition party in Rivers State gave this warning in a statement signed yesterday by its spokesperson, Mr Chris Finebone.
This warning comes as Nigeria prepares to have an international friendly game between the Super Eagles and the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Ebola recently broke out in DR Congo with the disease already claiming over 20 lives.
Some have called for the cancellation of the match so as to prevent the spread of the disease to the country.
Speaking on the matter, the Rivers APC called on Governor Wike not to only focus on reaping from the razzmatazz the grade ‘A’ friendly brings to the state, but should act to protect the lives of the people and residents of the state.
“The APC is not averse to the game going on in Port Harcourt as earlier scheduled, we are worried that the possibility of Ebola making its way into Rivers State may be lost on the lackadaisical and purposeless government led by Governor Nyesom Wike in the State.
“We believe that a government that, for years, has been at sea over the soot enveloping Port Harcourt and environs may just be celebrating and backslapping while Ebola sneaks into town to wreak havoc on the people and residents of our dear State,” the party said.
It urged the Governor to roll up his sleeves and deploy emergency health services especially the infectious disease personnel to ensure that the players and other delegation members who will make contact with hotel staff are properly screened to ensure that they do not leave any Ebola footprint on the hotel facilities and the staff.
“More specifically, the hotel to accommodate the DRC delegation should be carefully selected and orientation for the personnel of such a hotel held to acquaint them with the need to reduce contacts and maintain general high hygiene standards while they host the delegation,” Mr Finebone advised.
He noted that the APC was deeply worried and not sure whether the state government was aware that all major international media outlets are currently highlighting the increasing Ebola spread in the Congo DRC.
“What can be achieved by the federal government through surveillance at the airport of entry should not replace the need for the Rivers State government to do more to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people and residents of Rivers State.
“This should not be another matter over which the governor will play his unending politics with. This is about life and we hope the governor gets it,” Mr Finebone declared.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Aduragbemi Omiyale