By Fola James
Agodi Secretariat, Oyo State Government House, used to be a beehive of activity. Not so anymore since the news that Governor Seyi Makinde has contracted coronavirus hit the people of the state like a thunderstorm.
On Monday, Makinde, in an address to his people revealed that he has tested positive to the global disease.
Two other governors, Nasir el Rufai of Kaduna state and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state have already tested positive for the virus.
A day after Makinde’s revelation, unusual quietness has pervaded the entire state.
Worst hit is the state secretariat which no longer experience the usual activity as politicians and civil servants maintain quietude.
The state’s helmsman has been at the frontline, rallying his people on how to contain the novel virus in the state.
Just before his result came out, the governor had led other state officials to officially open the quarantine center built by his government at Olodo town, an outskirt of the state.
In spite of the revelation, however, the governor, who has now self-isolate said he will not be discourage, as he will continue to galvanize necessary efforts needed to contain the deadly disease.
Also, the good people of the state have not abandoned him at this critical time of need.
Goodwill messages, across party lines, have been pouring across the state to support him on this fight to save more people in the state from contracting the disease.
At least three persons in the state have already tested positive to the global pandemic.
The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, has expressed support for the governor, adding that the people of the state are with him and praying for his recovery.
According to a get-well-soon message the minister sent to the governor, he said his transparency in declaring his status has proven him as worthy leader.
The minister thanked the governor for reinforcing the need to flatten the curve of the virus by deciding to self-isolate, even though he is asymptomatic.
Dare ” Let me join all concerned citizens of Oyo State and your family and friends to wish you a quick recovery from the effect of the coronavirus.
I pray God will heal you and will see you through the period of isolation.
Thank you for the courage to be open about it and surely you will bounce back fully ready to continue to govern Oyo State.
I am certain that you will surely overcome this condition soon having promised to go into self-isolation as required.”
Meanwhile, two former governors of the state, Adebayo Alao Akala and Abiola Ajimobi have also expressed their support for Makinde, urging the people to remember their governor in prayers, irrespective of their religion.
Alao Akala said “I am saddened to receive the news of the infection of Gov. Makinde testing positive for coronavirus Jehovah Ropheka, The Lord our Healer will heal you (Exodus 15:26).
I pray to Almighty God to heal you and protect your family as you go through the self- isolation and proper treatment.
Similarly I pray for the protection of all the citizens of the state from the COVID-19.”
The former governor said the country could no longer joke with the pandemic, calling on Nigerians to maintain a high level of cleanliness to stop the disease from further spreading.
He said Nigerians should obey the stay at home order from President Muhammadu Buhari, if they want to remain alive.
Akala said “I urge my fellow Nigerians to obey the government and work collectively to stop the spread by constantly washing their hands, observing high standards of hygiene, social distancing and avoiding social gatherings.Stay at home, stay safe.”
