BLAME ME FOR LAPSES IN CONDUCTING PDP S/WEST RALLY, MAKINDE, OYO GOV.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stated that he has taken responsibility
for whatever lapses in judgment occasioned by the conduct of the Southwest
Peoples Democratic Party rally in Ibadan.
Vanguard reports that the governor’s statement followed series of
backlashes he received from members of the opposition in the state, over what
they described as Makinde’s insensitiveness to hold a rally at a time the
country is fighting hard to curb the continuous spread of Coronavirus through
the banning of public gatherings in many states of the federation.
Makinde, who defended his action of holding the rally in Ibadan in a
statement yesterday, said, he acted based on the information at his disposal at
that time, that the state has not yet recorded an outbreak of Coronavirus.
This is how he put in: “My dear good people of Oyo State, it has become
imperative to communicate directly about the COVID-19 situation in the state,
and the measures that the Oyo State Government is taking to ensure the
prevention, containment and control of this disease.
“Between yesterday and today, a lot has come to light in Nigeria
regarding COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus Disease, which has been
ravaging the world for the past few months.” At a point, some people thought we
were immune to this disease. I know some among you may still hold that opinion.
Although as stated by our Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Bello, at a press
conference on Thursday, we do not currently have any confirmed case of
Coronavirus in Oyo State; we still all need to be more proactive.
“I have received your complaints about the rally that was held
yesterday, and I feel obligated to state in clear terms that we acted based on
the information we had at that time. In retrospect, it should not have happened
and I take responsibility for that lapse in judgment.” “On assuming office on
May 29, 2019, I swore an oath to serve and protect you, I want to assure you
that our administration is doing everything in our power and working with the
agencies of the Federal Government, to take proactive measures to prevent the
spread of this virus. I urge members of the public to not give in to any form
of panic.
“As a people, we can take several measures to beat this virus. It has
been shown that maintaining proper hygiene through frequent washing of the hands,
scrubbing for 20 seconds with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitizers
that are 90% alcohol based, is a key way to prevent the spread of this disease.
I implore all citizens to make these practices a routine and a priority. Social
distancing is also highly encouraged.”
“Therefore, as at this moment, the Oyo State Government is doing the
following: Setting up the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force led by me. This task
force will be holding its first meeting tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020.
Immediately after the meeting, I will hold a press conference and update you on
all decisions reached and so far, implemented.
“The Free Health Mission which was launched on Monday, March 16, 2020,
will continue. The mission will be used as a vehicle for disseminating
information about Coronavirus prevention and control. However, anyone who has
shown any known symptoms of COVID-19 such as dry cough, fever, nausea, severe
headaches, difficulty breathing and tiredness should please, isolate themselves
and call the following Oyo State Ministry of Health helplines: 08038210122, 08023229267
or 08073431342.
“Once again, I urge all citizens of Oyo State
to remain calm and observe all preventive measures announced by the State and
Federal Ministries of Health and their
agencies,” Makinde stated.
Thank you for reading. Got comments? Kindly post them with your name on the Comment box below.
Post a Comment