The governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has accused the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command of attempting to sabotage the lockdown by issuing illegal letters to companies.

The Governor said this on Thursday in an interview after he went round to monitor the level of compliance with the lockdown.

“It is unfortunate to see the level of sabotage that we get from the police. Particularly, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Rivers State Police Command.

“The Deputy Commissioner of Police will sign approvals for companies because he wants to collect money. I am the Governor of this state and there cannot be two governors,” he said.

He said the approvals issued by the police or any other authorities, outside the office of the Rivers State Governor are illegal.

“I, however, thank the Army, the Navy, and others on what they are doing to enforce the lockdown,” he added.

Lockdowns are part of measures implemented to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has infected more than three million people globally but they have come with consequences, especially for people living below the poverty line and those who have to engage in trade daily to eat.

Governor Wike believes the lockdown is no doubt affecting some people negatively but it remains essential.

“Our people are suffering, I agree. But this is something we must do. When we examine the level of compliance and it is reasonable, of course, we will unlock the two Local Government Areas,” he said.

“It is not in our own interest that people shouldn’t come out or go to the markets. But we are talking about lives and how to protect our people.”