NCDC STOP THE PRESSURE ON CROSS RIVER STATE NOW----SOCOCOVID

We invited you to our COVID-19 situation room to address urgent matters of national importance. Nigerians and the global world are aware that three states in Nigeria has recorded zero index case of COVID-19, these states are Cross River, kogi and Yobe.

We are alarmed at the insistence of National Center for Disease Control to send her staff to carryout test in Cross River state when it is yet to record any case of Corona virus.  The Nigerian government and its health systems are struggling and begging other nations for medical supplies such as ventilators, testing kits, personal protection equipment and so on and yet instead of deploying the few testing kits available to worst hit states lacking in prevention and management of corona virus, the NCDC is busy forcing itself to a state like Cross River that is yet to record any case of corona virus.

We are aware of the fact that even the developed world such as USA, Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain and many more are yet to record appreciable numbers of testing due to low availability of testing kits. The case of USA readily comes to mind when Mr. Donald Trump announced his plans to reopen the economy, health professionals, business leaders and politicians warned him against the idea and advised the government to wait until enough appreciable test is achieved. Our case here is that Nigeria with marginal testing capability is more concerned through its organs, NCDC to deploy its testing kits to a state that has so far recorded zero COVID- 19 index case; what a preposterous idea! Or is there any hidden agenda on the side of NCDC?

Currently in Nigeria, Kano state seems to be the COVID 19 scarecrow amongst all Nigerians and the International community, we understand that only one testing center is situated in Kano state by NCDC and testing just resumed few days ago after being shut down. SOCOCOVID expects that setting up more testing centers in Kano State right now should be the right step and the right thing to do instead of wasting scarce commodity and resources on areas of less concern.

It is on record that governor Ayade and his gregarious team has done so well in the prevention of Corona virus in Cross River state, for example, the state leadership took proactive steps by enacting No mask no movement policy, established mask and other materials production center; established health surveillance team at the border areas.

Nigerians may not be aware of the strategies that Cross River state government designed and implemented in an attempt to ensure the state remains COVID-19 free;

They further established COVID-19 task force in all local government Areas of the state.
In addition, almost all LGAs has a wattsapp group where notable indigenes sensitise their people in local dialects, mobilise resources to compliment the state government efforts to curb the pandemic.
He embarked on free distribution of face mask to crossivarians.
All palliative efforts are coordinated through traditional Institutions strictly and the religious bodies both Christian and Muslims.
On-going employment of about 8,000 youths between the ages of 18-35, meant to reduce the pressure on food palliatives while concentration of distribution is focused on the aged, sick persons and vulnerable to assist them stay strong and safe throughout this challenging times.
The Government established an isolation center.
The Government gave Peace Corps of Nigeria a Toyota Hilux to assist in the enforcement of border policy of government.

Professor Ben Ayade being a scientist himself seems to be using his numerous academic achievements and his intellectual pot to salvage the situation as an environmental microbiologist.

We believe that professor Ben Ayade is worthy of emulation by all states especially those with higher case of COVID-19, it is not too late to be right.

It is worthy of note that, Governor Ayade enjoys the support of all organs of government, especially the State Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. E.J Williams.

 In case you are yet to be aware, Governor Ayade directed all Commissioners to relocate to their respective Local government Areas to enforce the NO MASK NO MOVEMENT POLICY, What else do NCDC want in Cross River State?

We urge NCDC to Supply Cross River state government with more testing kits or accept to be quarantined if they insist on wasting time in cross River state but SOCOCOVID advise to NCDC is stop the pressure on Cross River State and concentrate on Kano State, this is the voice of Nigerians.

The Society committee Against COVID-19 is a conglomeration of credible NGOs/Civil society Organisations established to compliment government efforts on COVID-19 and also a citizens advocacy group.
Thank you for attending.


Kenneth Ibe-kalu
National Coordinator
SOCOCOVID
08033013624