The Kogi State Government’s war against corona virus has been a commendable one, starting from the inauguration of State Taskforce against COVID-19 (Squadron Committee on Coronavirus and Lassa Fever in Kogi State) on 23rd March 2020. The Committee membership cutting across all stakeholders from Government Ministries, Agencies, Professional Organizations, Multilateral Agencies; Faith based Organizations, Traditional institution, and Civil Society.
Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET) had earlier appreciated the state government for the above swift action taken against the pandemic, although we emphasised the need to adopt human oriented and sustainable plans to nip the corona virus pandemic to board in the state, beyond just panic measures.
The news reaching us from the state government on the immediate lift of ban on religious gathering comes with mix feelings, questions like what was the yardstick for the swift decision of ban lifting while the cases of COVID -19 is still on the increase most especially our neighbouring states, comes to mind. Does the state government really believe in the existence of the virus? Why is the state government so much in a hurry to issue immediate order on the lift of ban on religious gathering?
While we pledge our continuous support towards preventing the spread of the virus in the state, we urge the state government not to put citizens of the state in harm’s way with her hurried decision of ban lifting.
In conclusion, Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET) will consistently support laudable initiatives of government to ameliorate the suffering of Kogites and ensure the state up holds the tents of democracy and fair play in her administration of our collective resources.
We encourage Kogites to remain strong and resolute as usual while we collectively push through this trying period of COVID 19. Regular hand washing, Social Distancing and the use of sanitizers still remain the most reliable preventive measure against COVID 19, Stay Safe!
God Bless Kogi State.
Signed:
Idris Ozovehe Muraina
Chairman, KONGONET
Kogi NGO Network (KONGONET) is a coalition of Civil Society Networks Championing the promotion of participatory democracy and good governance in Kogi State through advocacy and policy influencing for the well-being of Kogites.
