Governor Nyesom wike of rivers state has relaxed the lockdown for residents to restock of food and medical supplies. The Governor lifted the lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt local government areas for two days only from Tuesday 12th May till Wednesday 13th May, However, the total lockdown resumes from Thursday 14th may.

In a state wide broadcast on Sunday night, he announced the relaxation of the lockdown. In his statement, he announced saying;

"Consequently we have given due consideration to the propositions on the way forward by well-meaning citizens of the state, and after a cautious review of the situation, decided to implement a partial relaxation of the lockdown measures, to enable residents to have some fresh air and replenish their foodstuffs and medicines.

"To this end, I here by announce the temporary lifting of the lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas for two days only ,with effect from Tuesday 12th May 2020.

"All shops, supermarkets, and malls can open to the public for Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 and 13 May 2020.

"Similarly, all hospitals and banks can also provide full services to the public;

"While oil and gas companies are required to submit the list of their staff on essential duties to Government, note that there is no ban on the lifting of petroleum products from depots and other receptacles.

"The total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas will be reinstated on Thursday 14th may 2020 and remain until further notice."

“The total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas will be reinstated on Thursday 14th May 2020 and remain until further notice.”

"Compulsory wearing of face mask or scarfs in vehicles and public places;

Closure of all land, sea nd air borders and entry routes into the state; and
Closure of all open markets, including slaughters, hotels, guest houses, cinemas, bars and restaurants, and
Ban on gathering, including public burials, weddings and religious gatherings of more than 50 persons. Once again thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
"Please note that our enemy is invisible. Stay at home, maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly and stay safe".

He further went on to say that "As a  Government, we are doing our utmost best, in the face of daunting challenges, to prevent COVID-19 from taking hold in Rivers state; to stop any possible community transmission of this disease before it is too late.

"And we shall continue on this trajectory because the alternative would spell a greater disaster four state and our people.
"More so, when these are not arbitrary measures but fully prescribed and backed by the ordinary laws of our state especially, Executive Orders numbers 1 to 6.
"So far, all our measures and actions are not arbitrary but fully prescribed  guided and backed by the ordinary laws of our state, especially Executive Orders numbers 1 to 6, which apply equally to all persons throughout the State. As a Government, we are obliged to enforce our laws, and in the present circumstance, we have done so without fear or favour.
"We equally made it loud and clear that in te fight against Covid-19 there would be no sacred cows, no double standards, and no sentiments of any kind whether political, ethnic, religious, status, emotional or otherwise. 
He also addressed the situation surrounding the seized truck and demolished hotel. He said
"In the last few days we have pursued with vigour and secured several convictions against those who intentionally viol6our Covid-19 containment laws in the same way other States are doing.
"The forfeited trucks to be auctioned by the Deputy Sheriff were not confiscated arbitrarily by the State Government, but by the orders of our Courts.
"Similarly, we acted against the hotelier because, apart from using the facility to jeopardize the lives of our citizens in violation of the extant law, the owner audaciously unleashed thugs lead by the Eleme Local Government Youth Leader of the People Democratic Party and inflicted severe injuries on our Task-force members who went to enforce the law against the continued operation of the hotel.
"As we speak, nobody knows the fate of the lives of most of the victims of tha brazen and deadly attack given the severity of the head injuries they sustained.  And so we've done no wrong as all our actions were taken in good faith and justified by, under and within the purview of the Executive Orders, which have neither been challenged nor set aside by any competent court of law.
The Governor said he remains focused on protecting Rivers people.
"Therefore, while we welcome genuine criticisms directed strengthening our intervention measures; it is no use joining issues with uninformed critics and social media legal practitioners who, blinded and prodded by sheer politics bias and hatred have opted to demonize and paint our lawful and responsible actions in bad light." He said.
"Granted that we may not have totally achieved our targets, but we are convinced that, so far, the lockdown and the other measures have impacted greatly in containing and preventing the onslaught of the pandemic on Rivers State.
"We therefore thank the entire people of Rivers State for the overwhelming understanding you have shown even as you continue to endure the pains of the restrictions on your wellbeing and fundamental  freedoms ”.