It is heartwarming to note that our governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello of Kogi, aka, the “White Lion”, is hale and hearty. There were fears that the governor would be at risk of contracting coronavirus having had contacts with the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who tested positive for the virus.
But recent viral videos of the governor on social media here he was seen engaging in strenuous exercises were clear indications that the ‘White Lion’ must be COVID-19-free contrary to earlier fears.
While I congratulate the governor on his good health, I am however worried over the cold attitude which the Kogi State government is displaying towards tackling the deadly COVID-19 pandemic which had claimed lives of thousands across the globe.
At a time when many state governors are taking serious proactive measures to contain the spread of the virus in their states, the situation in my beloved Kogi still leaves much to be desired.
In the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, the Kogi government set up what it called “COVID-19 Squadron” headed by the state’s deputy governor, Edward Onoja. No doubt, that was a commendable step and effort by the government.
However, since the Squadron was inaugurated by the governor, nothing much has been seen in terms of their efforts in stopping the virus from entering the state or better still, responding to it should the state record any case.
It appears that the COVID-19 Squadron is deeply asleep and needs someone to wake it up to real action.
The Kogi’s Squadron must not be sleeping and snoring in the midst of the raging war being waged by “Combatant COVID-19” globally! For instance, there are concerns that the state’s designated isolation centre located at FAREC is not yet equipped.
The condition of the isolation centre has equally been of concern.
While measures such as restriction of movements and “stay at home” orders have been adopted in some states to contain the spread of the virus, Kogi government has not been enforcing movement restrictions, thus giving room for spread of the virus.
Another area the government has also not done enough is the area of enforcing social distancing order in state.
As at today, traders and market people still go about their transactions as business as usual.
Recently, the government also lifted ban on religious gatherings not minding the dangers inherent in such decision.
Giving the rate at which the coronavirus is spreading across the federation, there is every need for the Kogi State government to take more proactive steps rather than allowing any lax at this critical time.
As at April 14, a total of 20 out of the 36 states and FCT have recorded confirmed cases of COVID-19 according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
FCT which is the next door neighbor to Kogi has 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as at April 14, 2020, which is the second highest in the country after Lagos which has 214 set.
The sheer proximity of Kogi to FCT, couple dwith the fact that the state is a transit route to other parts of the country should make it more compelling for the state government to wake up.
It will be counter-productive for the government to be waiting until an outbreak before taking measures to combat the virus.
Now is the right time to enforce social distancing and movement restrictions orders as well as prepare centres were cases can be handle should there be any, even though we don’t pray for it.
As we continue to seek God’s intervention to bring an end to the pandemic, the authorities in Kogi should please rise to the occasion in putting measures in place to contain COVID-19.
– Abdulmalik Adamu writes from Lokoja
