Covid 19: Akeredolu’s Opponents, Opposition PDP, Send Get Well Message

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party, the PDP, has sent a get-well- quick message to  Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state  for testing positive for Covid-19.

Two of his co-contestants in the All Progressives Congress, (APC) primaries have also called for prayers for his quick recovery.

The party primary to pick a candidate for October governorship election is slated for July 20.

Two of the APC aspirants, Isaac’s Kekemeke and Olusola Oke described the news of the Governor testing positive to the Virus at this time as unwelcomed.

The PDP in a get-well message to Governor Akeredolu, signed  by its Director of Media, Mr Zadok Akintoye remarked that “while we are a bit glad that the Governor is at the moment asymptomatic, we are, however, concerned about the possibility of identifying, isolating and testing those who may have been exposed to His Excellency particularly within the last 14 days.

“It is quite unfortunate that the actions of Mr. Governor during his trip to Abuja to submit his nomination form may have also exposed members of the House of Assembly who joined him on that trip. A viral video clearly showing the Governor sneezing into his hands in the midst of the honorable members of the House of Assembly, was shared online making it imperative that the National Centre for Disease Control takes immediately action in testing and isolating anyone who may have been exposed to the Governor within the last few days.”

The commissioner for information, Mr Donald Ojogo has announced that the governor has directed all his Aides to go for Covid 19 test.

Ojogo said: “Mr. Governor trusts in God that all will be well even as he seeks the prayers of all and sundry during this period. It must be noted, however, that the decision by the Governor to go into self isolation is voluntary and clearly depicts the need for transparency as we confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Accordingly, there is nothing to fear; and no component of Government business will be adversely affected within the period of the Governor’s self-isolation. In this regard, Mr. Governor calls on all to be steadfast and remain committed to his or her assigned official responsibilities.

“Specifically, Mr. Governor calls on his Campaign Team to continue with all planned events and itineraries as regards the Re-run Project. We shall win and win big, he assures.

“In the meantime, Governor Akeredolu has directed all members of the Cabinet, close aides and others who have had reasons for constant contacts with him to undergo compulsory tests.”

In a statement in Akure, the campaign organization of Mr. Isaac Kekemeke  said “We commend the Governor for the disclosure and for his decision to self-isolate immediately.

“This is fair, responsible and Godly. By going into  self-isolation, he has demonstrated  concern and care for the health and welfare of those around him and those who will necessarily come into contact with him by virtue of his high office.

Signed by Demola Ijabiyi for the group, the statement added “we pray for his quick recovery  and urge all the people of this State and beyond to begin to offer special prayers for him. May God speak His healing words into his life.

“The Chairman of our Movement, Hon. Isaacs Kekemeke, hereby extends to  the Governor the assurances of his highest regards and best wishes.”

In his get well soon message, Chief Olusola Oke, remarked:

“The news from the official briefing came as a rude shock to me, my family and the entire members of my campaign organisation.

“We are however confident in the medical explanations that the governor was not symptomatic and in the final analysis, it only suggested a home management isolation treatment for the governor.

“While we pray and will continue to pray for the governor and wish him soonest recovery, we enjoin all the citizen of Ondo state to obey all the precautionary measures handed down by medical experts and NCDC.

“It is my belief that in compliance with the precautionary procedures, together we can stamp out this dreaded pandemic from our state and Nigeria.”