Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for exempting Dangote trucks from COVID-19 restriction order in the state.
DAILY POST recalls that Ogun, alongside Lagos and Abuja, have been shut down, in accordance with the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, to reduce the spread of Coronavirus in Nigeria.
On Friday, the state government announced the closure of 12 major roads into the state to prevent any vehicular movement within and outside Ogun.
However, the state government, through a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, on Saturday, told security and traffic agencies to exempt Dangote trucks from the movement restriction order.
The letter reads: “This is to confirm that Dangote Plc. trucks are exempted from the restrictions of movement and total lockdown of the state as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“You are requested to permit the trucks to move freely within the state because of the essential multi-sectoral services the company renders to the public. Thank You.”
But, Fani-Kayode, in his reaction, asked Gov Abiodun to explain why Dangote trucks must be granted waivers in spite of the lockdown, asking if some were more equal than others.
Fani-Kayode, on his Facebook page, described as a crying shame, the fact that “a few sons of the South West bow, quiver and tremble before their masters.”
He queried if Dangote trucks “are immune to COVID-19.”
His words: “Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state ought to explain this. Are some more equal than others? It is a crying shame that a few sons of the South West bow, quiver and tremble before their masters.
“Are Dangote’s drivers and trucks immune to COVID-19? Will you give similar exemptions to southern businessmen and traders? Shame on you!”
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abiodun on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, said the state government has granted exemption to all manufacturers of essential food items like rice, sugar, noodles, flour, salt, water, dairy foods, detergents and others.
He said it was not only Dangote that received the exemption.
However, Nigerians are seeking to know why Dangote was the only company mentioned in the said letter.
