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Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has apologised to the people of Oyo State over the South West Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) unification rally held in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The governor in a statement released on Thursday to address the Coronavirus situation in the state, took full responsibility for the error of judgement that led to the rally.
He said his administration acted based on the information they had at that moment but accepted that the rally should not have held.
He said: “I have received your complaints about the rally that was held yesterday, and I feel obligated to state in clear terms that we acted based on the information we had at that time. In retrospect, it should not have happened and I take responsibility for that lapse in judgment.”
He assured the people that his administration is doing everything within its powers and working with agencies of the Federal Government to prevent the spread of the virus.
Makinde further stated that his administration had set up the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force led by him, adding that the task force will hold its first meeting on Friday, March 20, 2020, immediately after which the governor will hold a press conference and update the public on decisions reached and implemented so far.
He said the Free Health Mission which was launched on Monday, March 16, 2020, by his administration will continue. The mission will be used as a vehicle for disseminating information about Coronavirus prevention and control.
“As a people, we can take several measures to beat this virus. It has been shown that maintaining proper hygiene through frequent washing of the hands, scrubbing for 20 seconds with soap and water, and the use of hand sanitizers that are 90% alcohol-based, is a key way to prevent the spread of this disease. I implore all citizens to make these practices a routine and a priority.Social distancing is also highly encouraged,“ he stated.
The governor urged anyone who has shown any known symptoms of COVID-19 such as dry cough, fever, nausea, severe headaches, difficult breathing and tiredness to isolate themselves and call the following Oyo State Ministry of Health helplines: 08038210122, 08023229267 or 08073431342.