COVID-19: Makinde Begs Nigerians Over PDP Rally

Governor Seyi Makinde has taken responsibility for the lapse in judgment that led to the unification rally of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Naija News learnt that the Governor made this known in a statement released on Thursday with regards to the situation of Coronavirus in the State and the rally which caused an outcry from several quarters and the opposition party.

He stated that his administration acted based on the information they had at that moment but accepted that the rally should not have held.

In his words, “I have received your complaints about the rally that was held yesterday, 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 judgment.”

He assured the people that his administration is doing everything within its powers and working with agencies of the Federal Government to prevent the spread of the virus.

The Governor stressed further that at the moment his administration had set up the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force led by him. This task force will hold its first meeting on Friday, March 20, 2020, immediately after which the Governor will hold a press conference and update the public on decisions reached and implemented so far.

He added that the Free Health Mission which was launched on Monday, March 16, 2020, by his administration will continue. This mission will be used as a vehicle for disseminating information about Coronavirus prevention and control.

He also stated that “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.”

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

Here are some pictures of the PDP rally that has caused several outcries below: