Mixed reactions trail Governor Wike’s 24 hours Curfew around Okoro-nu-Odu Flyover, parts of Rumuodomaya, Rumuokoro

*Commuters groan over hardship trekking long distances

BY IBRAHIM BAKARE

On the first day  of the 24 hours Curfew imposed on Rumuokoro and selected area of Rumuodomaya Obio-Akpor local government area of Rivers State by Governor Nyesom Wike have been deserted by shop owners and roadside Market women.

Wike had imposed 24 hours curfew on the area during Statewide broadcast last night to last for two weeks based on a spike in Cult activities in area. 

A visit to the area showed that due to the lack of  vehicular movements at least one kilometer radius, around Okoro-nu-Odu Flyover under construction, commuters  coming from  Port Harcourt International Airport but heading to Mile, 1, Mile 3 Diobu and Port Harcourt Township are compelled to disembark from Taxis and trek a long distance before catching another Taxi. Worse hit are those carrying loads.

Some of Commuters, especially  parents with Children in Nursery and Primary Schools who resumed academic activities after closure of schools due to Covid-19 express pains over trekking long distance before boarding the next Taxis. 

A woman who gave her name as Mrs Amaka Chijioke was seen holding her two children, one of them Basic Two and another in Basic Three lamented:” Governor Wike may mean well because of the activities of Cult boys, but he should have ordered security agencies go after them than imposing curfew in an area he is aware is a major transit and gateway point. 

“Did Governor forget that he announced the resumption of the Nursery and Primary schools after Nine months of closure and most schools are located in this area?”

Commuters were seen walking long distances to cross over to areas unaffected by the curfew.

Rumuokoro first day after  Curfew

Rumuokoro roundabout before Curfew

It was also observed that Rumuokoro markets and shops around Rumuokoro junction are not open for business this morning following the restriction of movement around Okoro-nu-Odu Flyover by Governor Wike.

Our correspondent also reports that Julius Berger workers  were seen erecting see-through  barricades under the Flyover, obviously to prevent trading or all forms of human activities underneath.

Some traders were seen standing in front of their shops and at the market while commuters are walking long a distance to enter vehicles.

Our Correspondent also observed that those selling vegetables and other perishable goods have moved towards the Rumuoagholu and Omachi axis of Rumuokoro  with their goods for sale.

There are diverse reactions to the Curfew on social media, especially on Facebook.

Obineze Victor wrote : “This is another insensitive move by the Governor. Curfew is never an antidote or measure used to curb cult related activities. These (Cult) boys who perpetrate this crimes are not spirits, they are well known. Infact some of them boast of their looting achievements. They are predominant in Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor. The governor was supposed to sound a warning to the elders and Monarchs in those cult infested places”. 

He pointed that Peoples means of livelihood will be greatly affected. This will as a matter of fact plunge those market women and business owners in that area into untold hardship.
For Frank Alfred he hailed Wike’s decision. “To be sincere, I have been robbed twice at that Flyover. That place is something else, I have vowed never to stop there for any reason.

Jerry Bieh said “Governor Wike is too insensitive to the hardship and suffering people are experiencing!”

Kumba Nguella Onyi in his reaction is all praises for Wike.”I love this like kilode. Good work! If any of you commenting  had ever had experienced with these boys, you will just go ahead and applaud Governor Wike for this”.

Onyedi Peter said “Rivers State will always remember Gov Wike for two things: Flyover and Curfew. “And for Alaba Charles he argued;” If the curfew is for security reasons, it’s okay. But, two weeks is too much though”.