Politics
Lagos Lawmakers Urge Adherence To Lockdown Order
Two Lagos State House of Assembly committees yesterday visited four isolation facilities in the state to ascertain how Coronavirus patients were responding to treatment.
Our source reports that the Joint Committee of the House on Health Services and Information and Strategy, headed by Mr Hakeem Shokunle, appealed to residents to adhere strictly to the lockdown order.
Shokunle said that the lockdown was imposed by the government to stem the spread of the virus.
The facilities visited included the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) Yaba, Isolation Centre at Onikan Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Eti-Osa Isolation Centre and the Cardiac and Renal Centre General Hospital, Gbagada.
The lawmaker said that the visit was to ascertain the adequacy or otherwise of health care services at the centres.
Shokunle also spoke on the importance of the government’s “sit-at-home” order, saying that it was the best way to curb the spread of the virus.
He urged residents to bear a little more of the hardship that trailed the COVID-19 battle, adding that it was necessary to strictly adhere to restriction order so as to stem the spread of the virus.
Shokunle said that the state government was doing everything possible to mitigate further spread of the virus.
“Government really needs the cooperation of the people; people must obey the stay-at-home order to reduce the spread,” the committee chairman said.
The visiting lawmakers observed that there was inadequate provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and testing kits at the IDH, Yaba for frontline healthcare givers, the nurses and hygienists.
The chairman promised to make recommendations for the provision of more PPE and kits.
He commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his pro-activeness in fighting against the pandemic.
Shokunle noted that the lockdown, if strictly adhered to, would further aid quick detection and immediate medical attention.
Speaking on the barrage of complaints that trailed the distribution of palliative items in the state, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategies, Mr Tunde Braimoh, appealed to Lagos residents to persevere a little more.
Braimoh said that the situation demanded drastic actions which were not prepared for.
He said the House of Assembly members, being the closest to the people, observed that complaints received across the state border on palliative.
According to him, this is why the committee was set up by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, to meet with the state executive arm of government and put the complaints forward.
“We told the state government that there were so many complaints about the inadequacy of the palliative; in some places, it was not adequate, in some others, they have not received at all,” Braimoh said.
He appealed to people to exercise restraint and be introspective in their reactions to the dictates of the time.
Dr Nifemi Oloniniyo, the Medical Officer at the IDH, who represented the Managing Director, Dr Abimbola Bowale, took the committee round the facility.
Oloniniyo said that the facility had 103-bed spaces for patients and two Isolation Centres around it.
He called for more equipment as the number of COVID-19 patients was increasing by the day.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
-
News2 days ago2026 Budget: FG Allocates N12.78bn For Census, NPC Vehicles
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON: Osimhen, Lookman Threaten Algeria’s Record
-
Politics2 days agoWike’s LGAs Tour Violates Electoral Laws — Sara-Igbe
-
Politics2 days agoRivers Political Crisis: PANDEF Urges Restraint, Mutual Forbearance
-
Maritime2 days agoMARITIME JOURNALISTS TO HONOUR EX-NIWA MD,OYEBAMIJI OVER MEDIA SUPPORT
-
Sports2 days agoPalace ready To Sell Guehi For Right Price
-
Sports2 days agoArsenal must win trophies to leave legacy – Arteta
-
Sports2 days agoTottenham Captain Criticises Club’s Hierarchy