A Non-Governmental, Non Political, Non Social and Non Tribal Organization on awareness and sensitisation against the global pandemic has appealed to Kogi State Government to create an enabling environment and collaboration with NCDC, to carry out a wholistic medical examination of the people on covid-19 through testing in Kogi state to avoid further speculations going round that covid-19 is already in the State.
This Statement was signed by Mrs Joy Billy Onu, the head convener of the organization, Stakeholders against COVID-19/Infectious Diseases MPCS
This appeal became necessary in view of various submissions, statements making rounds the State and allegations that top goverrment officials and political appointees have tested positive to the scourge and possibly died.
According to the conveners, COVID-19 is not a death sentence,and doesn’t hurt the State in carrying out the test, hence the need for the State Government to develop the political will to protect the health status of it’s citizens.
The Group maintained that the disturbing reports and counter response from top goverrment officials, will not do any good to the health of our people as it relates to Covid-19, nor the State Government, as the recent development looks convincing that the Infections may have found it’s way into Kogi state, and the only way to cool the tension of the people is to have a massive test for them, especially in the areas of contacts with speculated victims of the disease.
The stakeholders says, not long ago, a top aide of the State Governor,a former Lawmaker was suspected and speculated to have died after showing some signs that resembles COVID-19’s. Though the committee charged with the program put up a defence against the allegations,but we plead that the only answer would be to test the people.
“The widely reported Ogugu lawyer and it’s testimony before the public space and the widely reported death of the state Chief Judge,Justice Nasir Ajanah at the isolation centre of Univeristy of Abuja Teaching Hospital,Gwagwalada, gives us great concern, hence, we call for serious action on COVID-19 in Kogi”.
The body avered that protection of lives and properties of it’s citizens is one of the cardinal objectives of the State Government,saying that there is likelihood that a huge community transmission of the pandemic may be ongoing in Kogi State, therefore,the state government must swing into action.
The Stakeholders enjoined the State Government to make a sacrifice by working more also on programs that encourages the people to adhering to the COVID-19 protocol,saying, prevention and early treatment will preclude complications and possible deaths, contact and transmissions.
‘We enjoin our people themselves, not to jettison the singualr idea of avoiding crowded environment, washing of hands with clean water and soap,self distancing,avoid constant handshake, use of face mask and sanitizers both in private and public places.’
‘As gateway to South- South,South- East,North- Central and the FCT,our people are already endangered if precautionary measures is not at its maximum,now.
‘We as a group are seriously concerned about this alarming developement on the said presence of covid-19 in Kogi and Nigeria at large, as efforts should be redoubled towards continuous awareness and sensitisation.
We are appealing to public spirited and well meaning Kogites to key in this direction of sensitisation and assistance for the sake of humanity, as the job would be too overwhelming for the State Government.’
