Group raises concern over governors’ handling of COVID-19 pandemic

The South East South South Network (SESSNet) has expressed concern over the lack of coordination between the governors of the south-east and south-south in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.

The group said the lockdown measures adopted were not carefully thought through and lamented the failure of the 36 state governors to carry out proper consultation with critical stakeholders regarding the reality of the coronavirus before imposing lockdown.

It also lamented the failure of the federal and state governments to procure adequate PPE and testing kits for healthcare workers and the general populace.

The concerns were contained in a statement issued after a video conference held on Friday, which was hosted by Tochukwu Ezeoke in the United Kingdom and moderated by Daniel Elombah.

The conference was attended by Nigerians across the world and had as its theme: “COVID-19: From crisis to opportunities; where are our governors?”

“We have huge human assets in the virology departments of our universities; we have the experts that should be assembled for a sensible response,” it read.

“There is need to liaise with transporters and see how they can get passengers’ manifests and also establish mechanisms for reopening the economy.

“The governors should embark on situational data gathering and not propensity data gathering to cater for the people’s welfare.

“The 1999 Constitution empowers states to gather numerical data but only Lagos state has conducted a census, whereas states have enormous power under the 1999 constitution that have not been put to use.”

The conference explored the opportunities for the south-east and south-south during the coronavirus pandemic and what was expected from the governors during and after the lockdown.

Speakers at the video conference included Osita Chidoka, former minister of aviation; Chris Azubugo, member representing Nnewi north/south/Ekwusigo federal constituency, and Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Other panellists included Eze Eluchie, Obi Osuji, Marcel Ngogbehei, Valentine Ozigbo, among others contributors, and they discussed the opportunities that could be explored to diversify the economy.

“This is the time to reactivate the South-East and South-South Governors’ forum and create a governors’ task force as a matter of urgency,” it added.