The Network of Civil Society Organizations (NCSOs) in Yobe; have
tasked Governor Mai Mala Buni to sensitized residents on rising
coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
According to NCSO, the state has recorded 13 cases in about four weeks
of COVID-19 outbreak.
This prompted government raises a Committee led by Idi Barde Gubana,
who doubles as Deputy Governor to prevent and control COVID-19
pandemic.
NCSO’s Executive Director, Alhaji Ahmed Shehu however insisted Tuesday
in Damaturu; that “Governor Buni should take the driver’s seat and
make a statewide broadcast amid rising cases of COVID-19 pandemic in
the state.
“We’re deeply worried with the record of 13 confirmed cases in Yobe
between April 29 and May 2, 2020.”
While lamenting ignorance of deadly disease, Shehu said: “Most of the
people are still in doubt as to the veracity of the disease.
“This is in spite of laboratory confirmations from the Nigeria Centre
for Disease Control (NCDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO) of the
UN.”
He noted that NCSOs carried out sensitization campaign against deadly
virus to the public ‘to stay safe and prevent’ further spread of virus
in communities.
“We however regretted that their efforts are depleting; because the
necessary agencies are not enforcing COVID-19 compliances prevent its
spread.”
He therefore, warned the people to desist from spreading fake news on
COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
Instead, he said: “The people should focus on authentic channels of
communication and information sharing, which the committee and the
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have provided.”
He added that NCSOs are advocating for a COVID-19 situation room and
daily briefings to sensitize the people prevent its further spread
into communities.
According to him, the situation room will raise people’s hope and
mobilize support from public on governments measures fight COVID-19
pandemic.
“Government must realize that there is no better service to people at
the moment; than protecting their lives and wellbeing at all costs,”
he said.
He noted that government has a responsibility to ensure enforcement of
state committee orders on prevention and control of COVID 19 pandemic.
