The Network of Civil Society Organizations in Yobe State have demanded Gov. Mai Mala Buni to take the driver’s seat and make a state broadcast amidst the rising cases of COVID 19 in the state.
The Yobe State Committee on the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 is headed by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana as the Vice Chairman.
The Executive Director of the CSOs Alhaji Baba Shehu in a statement made available to journalists in Damaturu said “Network of Civil Society Organizations (NYCSO) is deeply worried with the record of 13 confirmed cases in the state between 29th April and 2nd May 2020”.
The NYCSO is also worried that a section of the people are still in doubt as to the veracity of the disease despite laboratory confirmations from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Alhaji Baba Shehu added that his group has carried out sensitization campaign against the disease to the general public on how to stay safe and mitigate the spread of the virus in the state but however regretted that their efforts are deteriorating because the necessary agencies and not enforcing compliance in the state.
The statement called on the people to desist from spreading fake news around the virus and focus on authentic channels of information which is the committee and the NCDC, while equally advocating for a situation room and daily briefing of the press for the constant information of the people.
The statement reads in parts:
“The government must realize that there is no better service to the people at the moment than safeguarding our health and wellbeing, at all cost. However, we commend the government for putting all the structures for response and control on ground, these needs to be more effective and responsive at this moment. The government should also as a matter of responsibility ensure the enforcement of all orders issued out by State Committee on Prevention and Control of COVID 19.
“We believe the confirmed cases are increasing because the committee is tracing the contacts and takes samples for testing – there is also need to be aggressive in doing so. However, a situation room on COVID 19 is necessary to keep informing the public, on progress made in that direction and the new measures put in place on a daily basis, this will raise hopes and mobilize support from the public on the decisions of the government.
“Finally and importantly, we demand that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State should use his well cherished oratory prowess and eloquence to address the people of the state on the response situation in the state, to raise and maintain our hopes in the government,” the statement said.
NYCSO also said it is committed to the people oriented policies of the state government and will continue to monitor such policies and provide guidance for the benefit of all.
The Nation reports that Yobe COVID-19 cases still stands at 13 with one death last. The death case was reported last week of a Director of Personale in the State Civil Service who died in the Isolation centre and his result is still been awaited.