Community leaders advise subjects to heed precautionary tips on COVID-19
Precaution
By Francis Onyeukwu
Awka, March 29, 2020 (NAN) Igwe Alex Edozieuno, Traditional Ruler, Mkpunando Aguleri Otu in Anambra East Area of Anambra has advised his subjects to heed to government’s safety directives on COVID-19.
Edozieuno who gave the advice in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Awka said it was better to act early than wait to see monumental emergency and deaths.
He said people should not wait for the law enforcement agents to push them around before abiding by the safety rules.
“The life we have is ours, and it is divinely entrusted to us and so we must not wait to be pushed around before we protect ourselves over death,” he said.
Also, Mr Caius Dim, President-General, Akpo Development Association (ADA) in Aguata Local Government Area, called on people of his community to avoid being `whipped’ by security agents before adhering to directives to stay at home.
Dim gave the warning in a statement on Sunday in Awka, adding that Town Crier of his area had made the announcement throughout the streets of Akpo from 4am to 6am on March 27.
According to him, the message to stay at home is costing government so much because they want to save life and property, which is a primary responsibility of government.
“It is purely to support that intention that we are adding our voice for our people to stay at home; stay safe and be alive to tell the story of Coronavirus.
“Always wash your hands thoroughly and regularly; take personal hygiene seriously and maintain social distancing, at least a meter apart.
“Avoid funerals, Church meetings and other social gatherings as directed to check spread of the virus,’’ he said.
Dim said, since the announcement that some people were pleading for permit to enable them do one event or another noting that the measure was not a political order.
“People are calling to ask for waivers to carry out funerals and other social engagements that they had fixed. Some of them claim that they had slaughtered cows as part of arrangements for their events.
“My simple replies have been; which one is better, carrying out the funeral and contracting COVID-19 or losing the items to stay alive? I think staying alive is better because this health emergency directives.
“It is important to protect life. Remember, it is in your own interest and not that of the President-General, Igwe or Government.
“I am even surprised that educated reverend fathers and pastors, who must have seen the devastation in Italy will still open their Church premises for services,” he said.
Dim called on community leaders to join government in making their people understand the thinking of government before it is too late on the preventive measures. (NAN)
FEO/RSA
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Edited by Rabiu Sani Ali