Kogi State, popularly known as ‘The Confluence State’ has a reputation for controversy. In recent times, the state has been plagued by a series of crises, such as insecurity, political face-off, and ethnic sentiments, among others. It seems there is no end to the controversies. Last week, there was a directive by the Presidential Task Force Committee to visit the state amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has since been ravaging the country and the world at large.

Residents react

A resident from Lokoja, Abdullahi Jibril while speaking with our reporter called on transparency on the part of NCDC in terms of their level of engagement with the governor. “I join the numerous voices that have demanded transparency in the discharge of NCDC’s mandate in tackling the novel coronavirus.

“I sincerely believe that there is more to the shenanigans expressed by the Agency than the ordinary eyes can see. But for now, her activities are shrouded in secrecy. But for now, her activities (NCDC) are shrouded in secrecy,” he said.

Another resident from Ogugu area of the state, Onojah Johnson lamented over the poor facilities in the state while describing the ongoing saga between the state government and the NCDC officials as having a political undertone.

“It is not that there are not isolation centre, there are but the facilities in place are not up to standard, and that shows the level of commitment from the side of the government. “In respect of what transpire between the government and NCDC, I personally would want to believe that there is a political undertone to what we’re seeing.”

Medical practitioners react

A doctor who spoke with confidence explained the health implications associated with the ongoing tussle between the Kogi State Government and NCDC.

“It is not that “NCDC are corrupt and want to assign COVID-19 to Kogi by force”. Rather, it is all about protecting the lives of healthcare workers and their families. It is about protecting and keeping all citizens, including you, safe.

“You cannot say something is absent when you have not sought for it. And refusing to check for it is not faith but a dangerous kind of foolishness. Faith to me, recognizes the facts but states the truth of God’s word instead,” said the source.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/covid-19-more-revelation-as-reactions-trail-kogi-saga/