Oyo State Governor, His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, who has been in self-isolation since he tested positive for coronavirus, has come out to clear the air on an earlier statement he made in a viral video at a PDP rally OYOGist.com reports.
The Governor also revealed how he was infected with the deadly coronavirus that has seen the nation go on lockdown.
Recall that Seyi Makinde was a host to a People’s Democratic Party political reunion rally a day after his government was informed of a positive patient who spent two weeks in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
OYOGist.com reported the news that the Governor was part of the appreciation rally that also had in attendance a UK returnee who did not observe the mandated 14-days self-isolation rule for those returning from countries with high number of cases.
Seyi Makinde speaks on video where he says coronavirus is in APC…
During a telephone interview with Isaac Brown of Splash FM today, Tuesday 31st of March 2020, the Governor was asked what he’ll say to residents of Oyo State who do not believe in the existence of the virus.
“Okay, first, you know we had a rally, I believe two weeks ago and then I have seen the video that has been circulating on social media which is being misinterpreted to mean that I, doubted at any time, the existence of COVID-19,” Seyi Makinde answered.
“The reality is no, I actually never did. I had used COVID-19 in the same metaphorical way that their APC leader did when they were fighting about their chairmanship and he said, well, the virus has gotten into the party.
“So, I made a joke out of it [his statement] and the video has been circulating that I said there is no Coronavirus, that it only exists in the APC.
“Well, it was a metaphor.
How Governor Seyi Makinde caught the COVID19 infection…
Speaking on how he caught the deadly virus, the Governor revealed that it was at the National Economic Council meeting (NEC) in Abuja, where the governors came in contact with a patient that tested positive to the virus.
“Well, Isaac, the truth is that yes, all governors who attended the… it was the National Economic Council meeting, were advised to self-isolate once one of the attendees tested positive,” the Governor said.
“So, based on that advice, I started self-isolating a week ago. In fact, I had to cancel the face-to-face EXCO meeting for Tuesday last week because of that.
“What we are dealing with right now is that well, I have done the test, it is positive, I have the virus so it is something that we know is real and we have to deal with it”
Plans on lockdown in Oyo State…
Governor Seyi Makinde also answered questions of his plans towards locking down the state as more states in the country, particularly the southwest have gone on lockdown.
“Everything that can be done to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Oyo State is on the table. We will continue to assess the situation and take additional measures where necessary,” Makinde said.
“Yes, Lagos can be on lockdown, Ogun can be on lockdown, Oyo State, yes, people have been saying have a total lockdown and then I have been asking them questions.
“What will be the benefits here? Are there alternative courses of action for us to take?
“If you ask people not to come out, you lock down the market places, there are people who what they sell today – the profit from today’s activities is what they will eat tomorrow.
“There are plenty people like that within our environment. So, are there alternatives available to us?
“I have been watching CNN and the most successful place right now in containing this is the Czech Republic.
“And one of the things they brought out is that they made a law that if you must leave your house, you must wear a mask. It may be that route for us to go.
“I have asked them to start evaluating that. If we must make that law and say everybody that must go out must wear a mask, then, how about those who cannot afford it.
“Can we make masks locally? Can we get our artisans and our tailors to commit to that with the govt supporting?
“So, those are the type of solutions we are looking for.”
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