Don’t compromise people’s lives amidst COVID-19 pandemic, IMO activist warns

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Imo state government and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri have been warned against any form of concealment on the movement history  of the index coronavirus case in the state.

In a letter to the state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, made available to Nation update online, a businessman and activist, Ebubegu Ekenulo maintained that  this is not the time to play any form of cover up on all issues related to this global pandemic that has entered the state.

Ekenulo stated that its really worrisome that till now matters surrounding the index case whether he is an aid to the governor or FMC staff  (doctor), are all beclouded in guesses.

He stated that he is more concerned about the ravaging global health challenge, a way out for Imo state than sending congratulatory message on the governor’s 100 days in office or criticising his presumed malfeasance in office, that the state need to be salvaged first.

“While many are congratulating and criticising you on your 100 days in office, I choose to write you on COVID-19, the coronavirus ravaging the world and about  kicking Imo on her ass without we knowing it yet,” he said.

He stated that the one reported case can multiply fast through community transmission to well over ten and above unless proper contact tracing was taken serious in the state.

He called on relevant agencies linked to the COVID 19 tracing and isolation, Governor Uzodimma and citizens, that this is the time to rise up to the challenge, identify the location of the index case whether  government house or FMC,  and disinfect the environment , else, the state will be consumed by the pandemic

Commissioning of the Imo testing and Isolation Centre in Owerri by Govnor Hope Uzodimma

“if it is government house Owerri, disinfect the totality of government house and  go after recent visitors for isolation and COVID-19 tests.

“If it is the FMC medical doctor, disinfect the totality of FMC Owerri and go after recent  visitors for isolation and COVID-19 tests,” he stated.

Imo state government and FMC Owerri must avoid any cover up in order not to toy with the lives of Ndi Imo and other Nigerians.

This is not the time to  play games but to inform and enlighten Ndi Imo properly and sincerely.”

He commended the governor for the numerous  proactive and stringent measures taken before this time, he called on him  to endeavour to activate them now a first case has been traced in the state.
He further cautioned  the citizens to be more careful now than ever and adhere to safety rules.

Uche Onyeagocha

It will be recalled that a former Secretary to the State Government, Hon Uche Onyeagocha while speaking as a guest in a local radio station in the state alleged that the COVID 19 suspect in Owerri was a security attaché to the  governor.

Also according to a media outfit based in the state, there was palpable fear in the state government house, to this end, Governor Uzodimma has  ordered for compulsory COVID-19 test for all security operatives in the Government  House, Owerri.