The outbreak of one of the most deadly diseases in human history has exposed the hypocrisy of some individuals and groups as governments all over the world take drastic measures to contain and mitigate it's spread. Coronavirus, a viral respiratory disorder that is responsible for over 134, 000 recorded deaths was declared a pandemic in February by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This was at a time the novel Coronavirus otherwise known as COVID-19 was spreading like a wildfire to other parts of the world.

Nigeria recorded its first case on the 31st of January, unsurprisingly in Lagos, the nation's economic and industrial hub. The virus has since spread to other parts of the country with only a few states having no case thus far as Lagos, Abuja and Kano remain the worst hit cities in Nigeria. 

After Nigeria recorded multiple cases, the organised private sector and corporate offices donated handsomely to the Nigerian government to fight the spread of the highly contagious infection. Kwara recorded its first case on April 6th. 

The state government under the leadership of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has exceeded expectations in the manner it has thus far managed the pandemic. AbdulRazaq led Kwara state government immediately constituted a Technical Committee on COVID-19 charged with the responsibility of addressing all COVID-19 related issues, headed by the Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi. The state government relentlessly constituted a Palliative Committee to cushion the effect of the government's decision to restrict movements, having asked people of all ages to stay home so as to stay safe.

Following the government's decision to lockdown, funds were released almost immediately to procure protective equipment such as hand sanitizers, hand gloves, face masks and foodstuffs to be distributed to the poorest of the poor in the state.

The stimulus package provided by the state government is to be distributed to the vulnerable members of the society regardless of their political leanings and affiliations, this includes those who have vilified the Governor's personality and have continuously criticized his administration despite the many mass oriented programs that have impacted positively on the populace.

But where is Kwara's self acclaimed political juggernauts? How have they disappeared into thin air during a time like this when they mostly need them? Where are Lai Mohammed and Gbemisola Saraki our Ministers? 

The total lockdown order by the state government remains the most effective way of curbing the spread of COVID-19 among other ways but it continues to bite hard on ordinary Kwarans whose survival depends on their daily earnings. This is the time the self acclaimed leaders are expected to justify their positions as leaders and help Kwarans during this time of dire need.

The Governor, as the number one citizen in the state, is leading from the front considering the measures he has put in place to ameliorate the sufferings of Kwarans regardless of creed, ethno-religious and political affiliations. What is of topmost priority to the Governor is the wellbeing of his people and safety of health workers who are the ones in the frontline in this fight.

Minister Lai Mohammed and Gbemisola Saraki should as a matter of urgent importance consider making provisions for those they have successfully incited against the Governor, who have been benevolent enough to extend his kind gesture to them. Even if they can't do anything Alh. Lai Mohammed should at least provide palliatives for Sanmora and Oro while Gbemisola Saraki provides for the aged women they sun dried during the Ile-arugbo saga.

Our Ministers shouldn't not only be seen assuming positions of leaders of the party without taking up responsibilities at such a critical time as this.

Leaving those they have continuously incited overtime against the Governor in their respective political wards to themselves at this time is political fraud and deceit. 

The Ministers may not have the wherewithal to provide palliatives for the vulnerable across the state but should be conscious of those in their neighbourhoods who most definitely need support and help at this stage of the lockdown. Afterall, the duo have been holding secret meetings with some party members who have now become their loyalists.

How about Gbemisola Saraki sending stimulus packages to those loyalists in Agbaji and its neighbourhood? Is Lai Mohammed averse to identifying with the poor and the vulnerable and putting smiles on their faces? Why have the duo suddenly disappeared, especially when those they hoodwinked into believing Governor AbdulRahman is running a vindictive government need them most?



Dapo Folayan writes from Oke-Ero.


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written by Mr governor errand boy