As COVID-19 crosses the 20,000 mark, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise, has called on government officials to show example by abiding with the set rules if Nigeria must exit the pandemic.

According to the famed activist, “We have seen disgraceful shows of governors and other highly placed officials brazenly ignoring social distancing and encouraging thousands of their supporters to do similarly. The recent embarrassing story of shooting within the Presidential Villa as a result of an alleged refusal of a presidential aide to self isolate is also an instance of the authorities that are supposed to know better acting above the laws meant to protect us all.

“The way this very important matter was handled leaves much to be desired and does not show good example for the people to follow. It does not exude confidence at all in the ability of our leaders to walk the talk.

“We were not told that the official concerned was punished for flouting presidential order on lockdown as he allegedly travelled to and fro Abuja-Lagos. Neither was he punished for failing to self isolate on his return. Governors have complained that the violation of the lockdown order is one important reason the community transmission of Coronavirus is proceeding at an alarming rate.

“Highly placed government officials must show good example if we are to exit this pandemic soon. ‘Do as I say and not as I do,’ will not help.

“Everyone has a duty to stem the tide of the spread of Coronavirus like the various promos by the NCDC advocate. The NCDC will do well to begin to focus this message on those in authority. The time has also come for disciplinary measures to be applied to those in authority that flout COVID-19 protocols with impunity. Until this is done, no good examples will be shown for the rest of us to follow.

“The spike in the figure of Nigerians infected with the Coronavirus has not abated. Rather, it continues to soar despite all efforts of government and other agencies involved in its containment. With the increase in the number of those infected also goes an upward climb of the figure of the dead. The profile of many of the dead gives cause for worry as they are prominent and visible personalities.

“They are those we often call VIPs. Those in the frontline of the fight against the virus, such as health workers and journalists have also not been spared. As worrisome as the spike in these figures are, the more troublesome news out there is that more and more Lagosians are ignoring the COVID-19 protocols meant to arrest the riding cases of infection, such as the use of face masks and the need to maintain physical distancing.

“Laws have been made in many states of the federation with stringent penalties for offenders but just like in many things Nigerian, these laws are not being enforced by the authorities concerned. Ignorance alone is not responsible for this irresponsible, dangerous and self- destructive behaviour as even the leaders have been caught pants down violating the rules.

“And until everyone behaves responsibly, community transmission of COVID-19 will not be adequately addressed. Ultimately, each and everyone will be at risk on the long run. Time to confront and reverse this lose-lose situation is now. A stitch in time, as they say, saves nine,” she added.

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