With the optimal level of compliance achieved within the two weeks total lockdown in Plateau State (with 4 Days restocking break), I write to commend the citizens for the impressive compliance with the lockdown order by government.
Mr. Governor Sir, after monitoring compliance with the lockdown you imposed which to me is the best hard decision you took considering that many States in the Northern part of the Country are yet to do so despite the glaring devastating public health threat of COVID-19, permit me to say our Border Entry Points are our major problem as they are still porous to some level and people still come into the State from high risk COVID-19 areas.
I want to commend the State Government for installing CCTV Cameras at major border entry points and have seen the workability of the system, but permit me to say there are vehicular movements during night time.
There are instances where passengers are smuggled into the State in ambulances, trailers conveying foodstuffs which are exempted from the lockdown order and other essential service personnel vehicles.
Some passengers do spend a day or two at entry points and are later buy their ways into the State. This is not a good omen.
I also noticed high profile persons who may have travelling history to other Countries/States with confirmed case and are not in anyway on any assignment allowed access at some entry/ checkpoints.
May I appeal to the State government to put in place more proactive measures to address the situation raised above.
I am pleading for the lifting of the total lockdown but the sustenance of other measures already in place to mitigate spread of the virus even as the citizen await the imminent and inevitable national lockdown that maybe imposed.
If not for those who circumvent checkpoints and contravened the lockdown thereby having uncontrolled access into the State, one could conclude there is no confirmed case in the State considering that anyone who was positive before the lockdown could had manifested symptoms.
The State Government should ensure the provision of palliatives to the vulnerable before the potential national lockdown.
Finally, I want to make a passionate appeal that men/women of the security outfits (especially the NPF, NSCDC, VGN, Neighbourhood Watch and Anti-Sara Suka-which i noticed are doing a great job in parts of Jos North) enforcing compliance be properly taken care of in terms of their welfare.
Welfare attention should also be accorded to front line health workers, Journalists, Bloggers & other social media Influencers whose immense contributions toward the fight against COVID-19 are visible and felt immensely.
I wish to call on the general public to adhere strictly to all preventive measures advised by health experts (such as NCDC, Health Ministry & WHO) and government directives aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
There is no doubt the Coronavirus pandemic has adversely affected economic, social, cultural, religious and political activities, but I am optimistic that we will emerge stronger, better and greater as a State and Nation.
God bless Plateau State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Cmr. Friday Bako is a Concerned Citizen, Blogger & Social Media Influencer
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