COVID-19: Oyo APC salutes Nigerians, urges more caution

The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has eulogized Nigerians and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari over decisive actions taken so far to mitigate the effect of the global pandemic, known as Coronavirus, in the country in spite of scarce resources and inherent challenges.

Oyo APC had on March 24, 2020 announced the shut down of its Oke-Ado State Secretariat, local government and Ward offices as well as all political activities involving its members across the state in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive to encourage social distancing and thus stop the further spread of the dreadful virus.

In a statement issued from the office of the State Chairman, Chief Akin Oke, and made available to journalists in Ibadan by the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Prince Ayobami Adejumo, Oyo APC observed that the relative curtailment of COVID-19 in the country was as a result of some proactive measures put in place by the government at the centre and some state governors who have proved to be competent enough.

“COVID-19 took the whole world by storm as it has claimed several thousands of lives in super power nations such as China, United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy while Nigeria has a record of five deaths and less than 250 cases with 25 recoveries as at now in spite of a huge population of about 200 million people. As a member of the global community, it would have been extremely difficult for Nigeria to prevent the virus from coming in and this makes it imperative to appreciate governments at all levels and the citizenry on the feat recorded.

“We are not disputing the fact that much still needed to be done to align with the rest of the world in the quest to completely defeat coronavirus and it is on this premise that we are calling for more concerted efforts from Oyo State government of Gov. Seyi Makinde to raise its game and ensure that no stone is unturned in the bid protect the people of the state from further spread.

“This is not the best time to cover up incompetence and apportion blame to the federal government or the immediate past APC administration of Senator Abiola Ajimobi over the inability to put in place the right facilities, formulate correct policies and rise up to the challenges posed by COVID-19 in the state. It was Sen. Ajimobi who built divinesilities in Olodo, Jericho and few other places across the state being readied for the treatment of coronavirus patients but Gov. Makinde chooses not to acknowledge this for reasons best known to him.

“The same governor who finds it extremely difficult to synergize with the Federal Government and its relevant agencies on the need to attract the right attention to Oyo State with nine established cases amidst a population of about more than nine million people takes delight in disparaging President Buhari’s various Special Intervention Programmes (SIPs). This is rather unfortunate as we call on well meaning indigenes of the state to talk to Gov. Makinde on the need to be a good team player.

“However, we are using this opportunity to underscore the demonstration of high sense of empathy, responsibility and responsiveness by privileged members of Oyo APC who have reached out to fellow party faithful and other members of the public in cash and kind since COVID-19 came with its attendant lockdown and hardship. Many of our people have risen up to the occasion and worked assiduously to give succour to the people across all divides.

“As the whole world looks towards a complete eradication of Coronavirus, we as a progressive political party urges more caution while we appeal for people to avoid any activity capable of increasing its spread. Strict adherence to measures put in place by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the state government must be prioritized by all and sundry. Lastly, more affluent individuals and corporate organizations should come to the aid of the masses in terms of provision of aids and relief materials for obvious reasons.” The statement said.