Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has said that the unfortunate incident with some members of the press in the state was unintentional.

Umahi made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abakaliki, during a statewide broadcast.

He urged the media to join the state in its fight against COVID-19 and other developmental efforts.

”The unfortunate incident with the press was not intentional and everyone should put whatever happened behind them.

”The press should cross check their facts to avoid creating panic among the people because there are certain reports that make our people sad.

”I specifically directed that the Vanguard and Sun correspondents be invited to this briefing and as a father, you beat a child with one hand and bring him back with the other,” he said.

The governor disclosed that the government had lifted the ban, night curfew and ban on commercial vehicles and motorcycles within the state.

Umahi said the decisions were reached after intense deliberations with members of the COVID-19 taskforce, heads of security agencies and other stakeholders in the state.

The governor said the decisions were aimed at alleviating effects of the restrictions on the people, but noted that the lifting does not affect the boundary areas of the state.

“President Muhammadu Buhari announced that curfews be observed in the country from 8p.m to 6a.m but advised state governors to amend such as it deems fit.

“Our curfew (from 7p.m to 7a.m) will be amended to that by the President, but will only be observed within 300 metres radius at all our boundaries.

“Ebonyi people are free to trade and work into the night unrestricted, but not at the boundaries.

“Anyone seen within the curfew period at the boundaries will be arrested and tried under state COVID-19 law,”he said.

He announced that motorcycle operations can recommence across the state, but not within the boundaries.

“Please, no commercial and other forms of motorcycle including passenger vehicles should be seen within the stipulated radius at the boundaries as defaulters will be arrested and tried,” he said.

Umahi said that the COVID-19 index case in the state was responding to treatment as the state isolation centre at Unity Square, Abakaliki still function perfectly.

“Our new 300-bed isolation centre is almost completed and would be of a world-class standard status.

“When it is completed, we will look at the six general hospitals across the state and some institutions,” he said.

He said that the Federal Government palliatives would be distributed across the state at the right time and solicited media cooperation in the fight against the pandemic and general building of the state. (NAN)