Engineer Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State has revealed why his administration is not likely to impose a total lockdown of the state as part of measures to control the spread of the dreaded coronavirus.
Makinde made this revelation while speaking on the telephone during a popular radio programme on Fresh 105.9fm on Saturday morning.
The governor made it clear that Nigerians should stop comparing the peculiar situation in the country to that of developed countries.
His words “we cannot totally lockdown because the records are not there for us to follow. If we lockdown, how do we know the number of okada riders or market women selling perishable goods? How do we ensure that our palliative measures go down to the grassroots? We are facing all these challenges.
“In addition, we don’t have enough to give out comprehensive palliative measures, oil prices are low.
“Our people with brilliant ideas should come forward. We will listen. We have never claimed to know all.”
Makinde also used the opportunity to send a message to those he called ‘critics’.
He said “Those criticizing us have a right to criticize. But they should not keep to themselves. They should come up with constructive criticisms; we are all in this together. So, we must exchange ideas together so that we can prevent the spread of COVID-19. I am here as governor for results for the people of Oyo State.”
Makinde also took time to talk about testing centers saying two of such are ready.
He hinted that the National Center for Disease Control is slowing down this process.
“We have reached out to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for help. Our people must have points where they can be tested for COVID-19. Once the testing centers become active, I will be the first to be tested and I promise to make my result public.”
The governor equally used the opportunity to address the people of his state saying “Coronavirus is a serious challenge for us all. May we not fall victim and those who already have it, I pray for quick recovery for them. We are doing our possible best to protect you all. We also need your cooperation.”
Packaged by Olayinka Agboola
