COVID-19: Nsirim Dismisses Claims Over Foodstuffs, Others

The Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has dismissed claims in some quarters crediting him with suggestions of an ongoing discussion aimed at allegedly creating another window for people in the state to shop for foodstuffs and other essential commodities, following the closure of markets by the state government as part of measures to check the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
In a statement he personally signed in Port Harcourt, yesterday, Nsirim said that the claims were purely the imaginations of their purveyors, who he said, were mischief makers and disgruntled elements trying to undermine the good intentions of the state government.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to a statement credited to me, that is circulating on the social media.
“The originators of this fake information claimed that I said that discussions were ongoing on how best people can shop for foodstuffs and other essential commodities with limited risk of spreading the virus.
“They also claimed that I said that the issue of border compromise by security personnel is challenging because there are so many small borders.
“According to the originators of this misinformation, the head of the task force clamping down on stores that are not part of any ban has been reached and a change in approach is being expected.
“They also quoted me as saying that Rivers State is in touch with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for a test lab to be calibrated such that test results are received in real time.
“Let me state clearly that I have not been authorized to issue such fake information now being circulated.
“May I urge members of the general public to, please, discountenance this fake information that has been designed by mischief makers to tarnish the good intentions of the state government in the prevention of Coronavirus in the state.
“The originators of this mischief are being investigated and will soon be brought to book”, the statement added.