COVID-19: LAGOS LAWMAKERS INSPECT ISOLATION CENTRES, PLEAD WITH RESIDENTS TO COMPLY WITH GOVT DIRECTIVES.

Members of the Joint Committee on Health and Information saddled with the responsibility to ascertain the level of progress made by the Executive in combating the Covid-19 pandemic have shown Legislative support for the government efforts and empathise with the residents on the statewide lockdown during their visit to the isolation centres on Tuesday 21st April, 2020.

The exercise which cut across some of the Isolation Centres in the State took cognizance of the efforts, preventive and security measures taken by the frontline workers who have sacrificed a lot at the risk of their lives for the welfare of others to achieve success in curbing the pandemic.

According to Hon. Hakeem Sokunle, Chairman, House Committee on Health; detailed information on the Centres are as follows -: Landmark centre at Eti Osa occupies capacity of 70-beds, Gbagada has 160-bed facility, Yaba infectious Disease Centre has 150-bed capacity, and another 300-bed permanent facility at the ema ever hospital , while Onikan Isolation CENTRE encompasses 100-bed capacity .

“We commend the Lagos State Government for the response and proactive measures put in place and executed so far, “However , we must further appeal to the great residents and people of Lagos State to kindly extend their hand of cooperation with the government further such that we can together reap the benefits of the denial of movement and other inconveniences occasioned by the lockdown. “What is worth doing at all is worth doing very well” Government regrets having to restrict people but there is just no other way to protect and preserve lives in these circumstances.

It is therefore essential to appeal to Lagosians to adhere to laid down rules so as to jointly defeat this pandemic. The social distancing according to the law is to be maintained. Breaking or vending government directives order for lockdown measures are to be adhered to in the collective interest of all as this pernicious pandemic is a plague of the whole World, what we should do is obey directives for our own safety.” He said.

 

Hon. Tunde Braimoh, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy & Security salutes the medics and health officials at the frontline battling the pandemic at each isolation centre for their selflessness and steadfastness in sacrificing for others.

“At a time like this, we cannot give enough thanks to you. We have gone round and are particularly enthused at the way you are making the best use of facilities available and we also observed the ease in the system as the task is being handled.”

“We pray that we record hundred percent success in curbing the pandemic by the time it dissipates from our society and we want to assure you that you have a place in history. We have seen the huge efforts of the State Government in partnership with some corporate sponsors to endow these facilities. We also appreciate the effort of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that over 22 million Lagosians remain safe.”

”We thank Messrs GTB for their altruistic act of philanthropy and public spirit,” He said.

While applauding the Commissioner for Health, Mr. Akin Abayomi who has a track record of combating diseases and the volunteers who are also part of the backbones of keeping the facilities in motion; Hon. Tunde Braimoh appealed to Lagosians to observe the lockdown directives as it is the best way to identify and rehabilitate people infected with coronavirus.

He further acknowledged that the Speaker , Lagos State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and the Assembly have been inundated with reservations on the adequacy or even availability of the stimulus packages otherwise known as the issue of palliative measures by the citizens and the House has had communications with Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who assured that his Cabinet is working on a verifiable database which would be used in the distribution of palliatives in the nearest future; therefore residents should abide by government’s orders.

“We appeal to our people to understand that we are not leading them astray. No one wants to restrict anyone’s movement for daily survival as freedom of movement is a fundamental and constitutional right, but we are compelled to restrict because we do not have any other choice. We need to pray at this time that affected people are found, tested and isolated for treatment.”

“We implore the masses to accord the government necessary support and compliance with the lockdown request and even beyond as there there may still be some restrictions here and there for our own safety. We seek cooperation and with that, this pandemic will not find a comfort zone in Lagos State and Nigeria. We care more about the well being of Lagos citizens. We want everyone who are alive during pandemic to also be alive and happy when we beat it, then we can start a new life and chart a new course.” He said.

The Chairman stressed the readiness and total cooperation of the Lagos State House of Assembly in playing its roles as lawmakers and appropriate organ of the State and expressed satisfaction at the State Government’s level of performance towards combating COVID-19 in Lagos.

Lawmakers who were in attendance are; Hon. Desmond Elliot, Chairman, House Committee on Environment and Hon. Adewale Temitope, Chairman, House Committee on Transportation who also gave kudos to the mode and measures so far adopted by the State Government.