COVID-19: Lockdown not solution, look for cure, group tells Ogun govt

LAGOS, Nigeria – Human rights groups have called on Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun not to contemplate imposing another round of lockdown in Ogun State.

In a statement signed for the groups by Toyin Raheem for Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (CCHR), Bamidele Oyewole for Committee for Workers Rights(CWR) Chief Liadi Edun, for Centre for People ‘s Defence, K. Oyinlola for  Tenant Rights Project (TRP), Jimoh Raji, for National Coalition for Good Governance (NACOG), Akintunde Rukayat for Women for Greatness of Nigeria (WGG) and Toyin Alabi for Campaign for Democracy and Justice (CDJ), the group berated the governor for his seeming obsession for lockdown instead of looking for cure for the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.

“Total lockdown without intensifying efforts to get cure for the dreaded Corona pandemic may be counter productive in the long run”, the group said, adding that Ogun state is blessed with  people that know the efficacy of roots and herbs in the treatment of diseases, besides not lacking in professional orthodox medical practitioners that if given neccessary support will find the remedy for COVID-19.

Read Also, MISSING TWIN SISTER FOUND DEAD IN NEIGHBOUR’S CAR

“That is where the  governor should direct his energy and resources of the  state and not incessant lockdown, that can’t be the panacea to COVID-19.  The Governor should take into cognisance that this period is a new chapter in the lives of the people and the country at large.

“Therefore, People have to be cajoled,appealed to while using minimum force through the police to enforce directives on Covid-19 prevention”, they said.

According to them, the incessant lockdown is now becoming a means of extortion by  unscrupulous  police officers and other security outfits that use the opportunities of the lockdown to corruptly  enrich themselves.

“In many occasions, they allow commercial operatives to operate once  they are able to buy their ways through. This shows that the government can’t even enforce sincere compliance. The Governor should rescind his decision to impose another week lockdown”, they said.