The Edo State Government has suspended all forms of revenue collection from transporters for April to cushion the economic effect of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on residents.
In a statement, Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, said the move will enable transporters comply with government’s social distancing guideline, aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The seating guidelines for transporters are that cars must carry one passenger in front and two at the back, while buses carry one passenger in front and two on each row.
Ogie, however urged residents not to panic but support the state government as it steps up measures to prevent the spread of the virus by complying with directives of the government.
The statement reads, “This is to inform the general public that Edo State Government’s regulations as regards containing the COVID-19, pandemic have not been lifted.
“For avoidance of doubt, members of the public are to note that the following measures are to be strictly adhered to: Ban on gathering of more than 20 persons; maintenance of social distancing of at least 1 metre; all businesses remain closed except markets for food items, pharmaceuticals products and eateries; suspension of all collection of revenues from transporters for the month of April 2020; All transporters should abide by the regulations already announced as regards number of passengers to be carried per vehicle.”
“Please, note that the various security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the above government directives,” he added.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
