Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Monday lamented the penetrable and porous nature of the state’s borders. He expressed this lamentation while addressing newsmen on the latest developments of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state at the Government House Grounds, Akure.
He stated that cases of illegal entry into the state and other breaches are the main causes of community transmissions of this virus which the state is currently battling with.
Akeredolu; who also expressed concern over the rate at which traders and motorists caused breaches on major roads in the state capital; vowed to direct the commencement of mobile courts for the trial of traders, okada riders and motorists arrested for blocking major roads.
Akeredolu said “I have also been briefed of cases of minor breaches and the obvious potentials of an escalation. Example of such breaches include the needless blockade of main roads by sellers of food items, Okada riders and Taxis”.
“Government views this with serious concern and will take every necessary step to enforce the order for the necessary and appropriate period”.
“To this end, I have directed the Special Adviser on Transport and the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission to collaborate to ensure the ease of passage of human and vehicles at Oja Oba, Isinkan and Arakale in Akure as well as other city centres in the state”.
“It is important to state that if our people fail to obey these regulations, we will not hesitate to direct the commencement of mobile courts for instant trial of individuals who fail to comply with our COVID-19 orders and regulations”.
“Such Mobile Courts will be fully empowered and supported to achieve the aims and objectives for which they are set up. Punishments for those found guilty will range from stiff community service, fines and outright forfeiture/confiscation of wares and properties found as accessories to the violation.”
Akeredolu also confirmed the death of one of the Covid-19 cases in Ondo State.
He said “I regret to inform you of the sad loss of one of the three new cases. The unfortunate incidence occurred early this morning. The case was already a patient with a renal condition. In spite of the border lockdown, he arrived Ipe Akoko, Akoko South East local Government area on the 27th April 2020”.
“His arrival was reported to our health workers who immediately proceeded to administer test upon him. The result which was received four days ago confirmed his case as positive”.
“He was immediately removed and admitted into isolation at the IDH, Akure where he was further diagnosed as a patient of renal condition”.
“This made treatment and recovery more complicated. He died in the early hours today”.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Ondo state, I wish to express our condolences to his family and loved ones. Our hearts are with them at this moment of their grief and we pray sincerely for the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”.
“In spite of this unfortunate circumstance, I must express our debt of gratitude to our health workers at the hospital.”
