Gubernatorial candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in the 2019 general elections in Oyo State, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, on Thursday asked Governor Seyi Makinde of the State to rescind his decision to reopen schools and worship centers.
DAILY POST gathered that Makinde had on Monday asked final year students in schools to resume on June 29.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa in a statement made available to DAILY POST, noted that schools are to observe the COVID-19 protocols as released by the Task Force.
“Decisions reached include the resumption of classes for Primary Six, JSS3 and SS3 students from Monday, June 29; resumption of work by all category of workers at the state secretariat from June 22; opening up of mosques and churches, which are to operate at 25 per cent capacity; and the decision to limit public gathering to not more than 25 persons,” he said.
But, Alli while reacting, urged Makinde to seek professional advice before considering reopening of schools, religious organisations and government offices.
Alli, a former Secretary to the State Government in a statement made available to DAILY POST Thursday evening, also prayed for quick recovery of former Governor of the State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who is currently receiving treatment over an undisclosed ailment.
Alli said opening schools, government offices, churches and mosques at this critical time “is dangerous and an open invitation to risking the lives of the good people of the state when the number of coronavirus victims is increasing on the daily basis.”
He wondered what necessitated the impatience on school reopening, especially when examination coordinating bodies (WAEC and NECO) are not in a hurry to commence the exercise.
Alli, pointed out that Nigerians were taken aback and marveled when the Oyo state government announced its readiness to reopen schools and religious organisations in a few days time when other states are still putting heads together on how to find a lasting solution to the ravaging pandemic.
“This decision is unguarded, untimely and insensitive at the time the whole world is battling to find a lasting solution to the issue of Covid-19.
“It is good to consider reopening of schools, but not at this time that the number of coronavirus victims in Oyo state is increasing. Moreso when it is obvious precautionary steps have not been put in place to forestall further community infection in the schools and public places.
“I will advise you to tarry and seek professional advice before taking such a step. I want you to study development in other states in Nigeria where the governors are not in a hurry to take steps that may later backfire.
“Even South Korea and Israel opened schools but had to close again when Covid-19 cases spiked in those countries. Lives of our people are very precious and we expect the governor to treat them as such.
“The former Governor should be remembered in our prayers. We must collectively stay safe and observe all regulations prescribed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other stakeholders during this ongoing global pandemic,” he stated.
