By Yusuf Abubakar.
A non governmental organization, Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (MPCS) Ltd has appealed to Kogi state government to collaborate with Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) to carry out continuous to avoid further speculations that covid-19 is already in the state.
This was contained in a statement and signed by Mrs Joy Billy Onu, the convener of Multi Purpose Cooperative Society (MPCS) Ltd against COVID-19/Infectious Diseases.
According to her, the appeal became necessary in view of various submissions and allegations that top government officials and political appointees in the state have tested positive to the scourge and possibly died.
She noted that COVID-19 is not a death sentence and will not hurt the state if tests are carried out. She harped on the need for the State Government to develop the political will to protect the health status of its citizens.
She maintained that the disturbing reports and counter response from top government officials will not do any good to the health of the people as it relates to Covid-19 as the recent development looks convincing that the virus may have found its way into Kogi state.
She noted that the only way to cool the tension among the people is to conduct massive test, especially in the areas of contacts with speculated victims of the disease.
The stakeholders said “not long ago, a top aide of the state governor, a serving lawmaker were speculated to have died after showing some signs of COVID-19.
“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 his testimony before the public space and the widely reported death of the state Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah at the isolation centre in Gwagwalada gives us great concern, hence, we call for serious action on COVID-19 in Kogi,” she said.
She enjoined the state government to make a sacrifice by working more on programs that will encourage the people to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, adding that prevention and early treatment will prevent complications and possible deaths and transmissions.
‘We enjoin our people themselves not to jettison the principles of avoiding crowded environment, washing of hands with clean water and soap, social distancing, avoidance of constant handshake, use of face mask and sanitizers, 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 are not at its maximum.
“We, as a group, are seriously concerned about this alarming development on the said presence of covid-19 in Kogi and Nigeria at large. 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.”
