Edo Residents Respond To Government Statement On Looted Covid-19 Palliatives

Residents of Edo State are united in their call for the Edo state government to apologise for still keeping Covid-19 palliatives in warehouses after 7-months after receiving and distributing some of them.

This is coming after the government said the vandalised warehouses stored some medical assets including vaccines, high-end equipment and other supplies, and food items, which are strategic to mitigate eventualities.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie in a statement said that there was actually a process of distribution during the period, to the vulnerable to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in the state. But residents think differently.

One resident, Mr Stanley Victory said, the government’s response is not only, “catastrophic and dismaying, we sincerely hope things like this will not repeat itself again. Mr Governor, the earlier you learn from this, the better for you. It is very hard to convince Edos especially when they have seen evidence.

“I therefore urge you to come out boldly and apologise. If you can recall the way we came out en masse to vote you in. It will be wise on your part to work beyond the expectations of the common man. We believe in integrity, transparency and sincerity”.

Another resident, Mr Isaac Ejagheghe said,
“Mr. Governor we all know to some extent the good heart you have and love for Edo State. When mistake is made best to admit and apologize. The younger generation knows better and don’t use tactics that has been used for our parents. It may have worked in time past but no longer in this generation. Admit and move on sir”.

On his part, Aruoma Osasumwen said, “Your Excellency, this is damage control. What happened … really shocked a lot of Edo people. We know you to be a good man, please don’t deviate. We will continue to pray for you and support your government, but ensure you engage good people in your next administration”.

It was wrong for the government to have kept the palliatives away for too long, said Igue Emmanuel. He said, “Am not from Edo I also love you and I tell my Edo friends to support and love you. But this Covid-19 palliatives they hid from the poor masses of Edo is very bad.. You are just trying (this) to bring down the trust Edo people have for you. In simple words, just apologize to Edo people and they will forgive you, Sir and promise it won’t repeat itself. Thanks”.

A respondent pleading anonymity said, “Mr Governor, the reason you did this is still surprising to me, the only explanation I could give myself is that someone in a higher rank than you ordered you to do that, because this same palliative wasn’t found in only Edo state but in many other states in the country”.

She said, “The worse is even the other governors are shedding crocodile tears on national TV. I will advise you address your people and expose those cabals that gave you the order to starve many to death in Edo”.#