Kunle Adelabu
Angered by the low compliance level of residents to measures stipulated to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, May 9, 2020, threatened to lockdown the state again.
The governor expressed his displeasure while giving update on the Coronavirus situation in the state.
He stated that his administration would not hesitate to review the gradual easing of the lockdown in the state.
“As a Government, elected to uphold the security of Lagos State – and this includes health security – let me make it clear that we will not hesitate to review the terms of this easing if we continue to see evidence that Lagosians are determined to flout the rules” Gov. Sanwo-Olu said.
He stated that the government will improve its monitoring of the situation to ensure that there is 100 percent complaince.
“There are still some areas in which improvements need to be made, but I expect that this will be achieved in the coming days. Our Monitoring Teams at State and Local Government levels are working hard to raise compliance levels to 100 percent.
The governor pointed out those in the transportation sector as major defaulters.
“In terms of the non-compliance, the list is regrettably much longer. On the first day of this new phase of an eased lockdown, the compliance level for commercial transport sector operations was regrettably very low.
“Yellow Buses especially, failed to comply with the capacity restrictions outlined in our framework. While compliance has improved in subsequent days, it is still not encouraging.
“Many commercial motorcycle operators openly and indiscriminately defied the suspension.
“The ban on Inter-state travel except for essential goods and services was also consistently flouted. In many cases people decided to make the final leg of the journey into the State on foot, to beat the restrictions.
“Trucks and other vehicles carrying items designated as essential, have also played major roles in flouting the guidelines, by conspiring to conceal and smuggle people in and out of the State.
Sanwo-Olu also stated that it is unacceptable for any resident to go out without masks which is one of the measures stipulated to prevent the disease from spreading.
“The reports about mask usage in public places have also not been encouraging. Many people are still choosing to go out without masks or face coverings of any kind. This is simply unacceptable” he warned.
“Let me reiterate that the success of this gradual easing of the lockdown is dependent upon the compliance of each and every one of us.
