*Receive Gov. Wike’s commendation
From Blessing Ibunge, Port Harcourt
The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has donated key medical equipment in support of Rivers State Government’s efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The state Governor, Nyesom Wike, who commended SPDC for the huge support while receiving the medical equipment at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said the quality of the equipment was high enough.
He said: “We thank you for supplying these medical equipment to the Rivers State Government to fight the spread of coronavirus.
“This is the first time that I am going to commend you. I thank you for supporting the State Government in the fight against coronavirus.
“But I am not happy with the NNPC for transporting 22 staff from Gombe into the Port Harcourt International Airport, and moving them into Rivers State without clearance.”
He regretted that it is not enough to want to embark on oil exploration, but unconcerned about the welfare and survival of Rivers people.
He said: “We have to work hard to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. We are not fighting anyone. But it must be stated that this is not from the Federal Government. ”
The Governor urged the oil companies to always inform him when they are changing crew and supply the relevant manifest.
On the lockdown, he warned that anyone that violates the order will be arrested and prosecuted.
In his remarks, Managing Director of SPDC, represented by the Deputy Managing Director of SPDC, Mr Simon Roddy, commended Gov. Wike for his untiring efforts and vigilance to keep Rivers State safe in the face of the threats posed by coronavirus.
He also thanked the governor for granting SPDC accelerated approvals for the movement of personnel on essential duties and equipment to support production.
He pointed out that on April 7, 2020, SPDC made earlier donations of oxygen concentrators, suction machines, defibrillators, Ventilators, wheeled stretchers, PPEs, Ambulance and generator.
He said Wednesday’s donations are aimed at enhancing the clinical capabilities at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the COVID-19 Treatment Centre at Eleme.
He said: “The Two PCR Machines are approved by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to deliver COVID-19 Molecular screening tests.
“It is a pace setting technology enhancing testing capacity and fast cycling times. The first two in Rivers State. ”
In his remarks, the Representative of the Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr Adebola Aderibigbe said the donation is to support the Rivers State Government in the fight against coronavirus.
He assured that the NNPC will continue to prevail on oil companies to support the state government in the fight against coronavirus.
