Ward four (4) Elele in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State and indeed the entire council area over the weekend expressed joy and happiness to the state governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and Eze, Sir Mike Elechi for coming to their aid with the palliatives to cushion the effect of the sit-at-home order as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking with newsmen in the area during the distribution of the materials, some persons interviewed sang the praises of Gov Wike, the leader of the ward, Eze, Sir Mike Elechi and the councilor representing ward four in Kelga who is also chairman of the distribution committee, Hon Amadi Jacob for their concern and commitment in supporting the people of Elele at this crucial time.
Mrs Grace Amadi; Madam Joy Igbwokwe, Mrs. Rasikatu Ismaila and Cecilia Akpan in their separate responses thanked the stakeholders for their effort in not only keeping them safe from the scourge but also in sustaining their families during this lockdown through the relief materials.
“Actually, we appreciate the magnanimity of our host communities for considering us the non-indigenes in their midst in the distribution of the Covid-19 palliatives. They should be rest assured of our reciprocity at all times”, they had said.
Speaking at his massive yard which was used as the distribution centre, Eze Sir Mike Elechi informed the gathering that Governor Wike had brought in some relief materials for the ward, while the Ikwerre council chairman, Hon. Samuel Nwanosike and himself also contributed to make up sizeable quantity of the palliatives to go round all the households in Elele Ward 4.
He explained to the jubilant crowd that the choice of his yard was deliberate for security purposes and to ensure that the materials were not hijacked by hungry hoodlums.
“As the beneficiaries trooped out to receive their packages, they were given a tally at the entrance gate and orderly asked to pick one package that contained every items and exit through another gate, led by a security man”, he explained.
The monarch also disclosed that about 120 tubers of yam which were kept aside was to be distributed to the elderly in the village especially the widows, widowers and vulnerable.
“We concentrated on the women of the ward which included those in the Rison palm and the Elele Army barracks because we thought it wise that with the women, many households would be fed”.
Eze Elechi further disclosed that the choice adopted by the committee in reaching out to many households was satisfying to their conscience, and expressed the hope that with the arrangement, the governor will be happy and willing to remember them again for more relief materials in future as the occasion demands.
The palliative committee chairman, Hon. Amadi Jacob, thanked the people for the orderly manner they conducted themselves during the exercise and equally kept their hope alive for more to come. He expressed the people’s appreciation to Sir Elechi’s magnanimity, adding that his people are passionate about him.
