PDP Rally Was A Lapse In Judgement, Admits Seyi Makinde

The Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde has apologised for the hosting of the Peoples Democratic Party Zonal rally in Ibadan on Wednesday amidst the growing COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country.

The governor, in a statement Thursday, admitted the rally shouldn’t have happened but took responsibility for the gaffe.

“I have received your complaints about the rally that was held yesterday (Wednesday), and I feel obligated to state in clear terms that we acted based on the information we had at that time. In retrospect, it should not have happened and I take responsibility for that lapse in judgement,” he stated.

Speaking further on the measures that the Oyo State Government is taking to ensure the prevention, containment and control of the COVID-19 situation in the state, Governor Makinde said in the last few days “a lot has come to light in Nigeria regarding COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus Disease, which has been ravaging the world for the past few months.

“At a point, some people thought we were immune to this disease. I know some among you may still hold that opinion. Although as stated by our Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello, at a press conference this morning, we do not currently have any confirmed case of Coronavirus in Oyo State; we still all need to be more proactive.

According to the governor, following the oath he swore to on assuming office on May 29, 2019, he assured that his administration will do everything in his power and working with the agencies of the Federal Government, to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the state.

Makinde urged members of the public to not give in to any form of panic.

His words; “As a people, we can take several measures to beat this virus. It has been shown that maintaining proper hygiene through frequent washing of the hands, scrubbing for 20 seconds with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitizers that are 90% alcohol based, is a key way to prevent the spread of this disease. I implore all citizens to make these practices a routine and a priority. Social distancing is also highly encouraged.”

Makinde also announced the immediate steps the State Government is taking to tackle the disease.

“Setting up the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force led by me. This task force will be holding its first meeting tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020. Immediately after the meeting, I will hold a press conference and update you on all decisions reached and so far, implemented.

“The Free Health Mission which was launched on Monday, March 16, 2020, will continue. The mission will be used as a vehicle for disseminating information about Coronavirus prevention and control.

“However, anyone who has shown any known symptoms of COVID-19 such as dry cough, fever, nausea, severe headaches, difficulty breathing and tiredness should please, isolate themselves and call the following Oyo State Ministry of Health helplines:‬ ‪08038210122‬, ‪08023229267‬ or ‪08073431342.‬‬‬

“Once again, I urge all citizens of Oyo State to remain calm and observe all preventive measures announced by the State and Federal Ministries of Health and their agencies.”