Sequel to the spate of the deadly coronavirus case in Nigeria, the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led government in Ondo State has banned political, social and religious gatherings in the state.
In the same vein, gatherings in beer parlours and clubs across the state has also been banned, while civil servants on grade level 1-12 were also directed to stay at home.
According to the state Commissioner for Information, Donald Ojogo the decision was reached during state Executive Council meeting held on Monday
He emphasized that the move became imperative in order to ensure that residents of the state were well protected.
The statement read, “the Ondo Executive Council at its meeting on Monday, 23rd March, 2020 deliberated extensively on the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to stem the rampaging menace, Cabinet deliberated on the Governor’s address to the people of the State and took far-reaching decisions in the overall interest of the State in addition to the directives in the Governor’s State broadcast.
“These decisions, which are additional regulations to those already reeled out in Mr. Governor’s broadcast to the people include the following: Government hereby places total ban on all Political, Social and Religious gatherings in the State for 14 days in the first instance: Gatherings at clubs, beer parlours and joints are prohibited until further notice; All Civil Servants from Grade Levels 01-12, except those on essential duties as may be determined by their respective Accounting Officers and Chief Executives, are hereby advised to stay at home for now.
“Government, as well as all persons of goodwill in Ondo State, no doubt, heaved a sigh of relief when a few days ago, our collective anxiety became calm only after the result conducted on a suspected COVID-19 case turned out negative.”
Ojogo added that, “in the meantime, the Government wishes to encourage the PDP in Ondo State to consider postponing its State Congress scheduled for Tuesday, 24th March, 2020 and take a cue from the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Seyi Makinde who by public apology, agreed that the party did not exercise discretion by organising a political rally in Ibadan.
“As a responsive Government with a strong resolve to stem the influx of an undeterminable number of persons in their hundreds into the State especially from unverifiable areas, the State Government has already directed the Commissioner of Police and heads of other security agencies to enforce all regulations in respect of crowd control as spelt out by the Government.”
