NGOs urge Kogi, NCDC to end squabbles
The Kogi Non-Governmental Organisations Network (KONGONET) has called on the COVID-19 Squadron Committee to provide clarifications on the state’s coronavirus status and end the conflict between the Lokoja government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
KONGONET chairman, Mr. Idris Muraina, who made the call in a statement issued in Lokoja, said the conflict iwas detrimental to the health of the people, noting that both the state government and NCDC were determined to save lives.
He said that COVID-19 has adversely affected all sectors of the nation’s economy and requires collective efforts to curb its spread, revealing that the body is aware of the existence of a committee put together by state government to provide guidance and direction on preventing the outbreak of the disease in the state.
“While the state government is yet to officially acknowledge COVID-19 cases in the state, the NCDC continues to stick to its guns that Kogi State has four COVID-19 cases.
“It is our hope that the state COVID-19 Squadron Committee will provide clarifications on the needless squabbles with NCDC. Both are set up to save lives. Who gets the trophy for the needless competition?
“We join the state government in the call on Kogi people to avoid panic and adhere to the protective guidelines as provided by the NCDC.
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“We also hope the Squadron Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief David Onoja will do the needful by implementing multiple sensitisation programmes,” he said.
Muraina noted that the state is witnessing the upgrade and construction of health facilities, but noted that the level of attention provided for patients in government health facilities leaves much to be desired.
