As Cross River State Government step up enforcement for Covid-19 pandemic, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu with her Team comprising of the new Director General if SACA Dr Etcheri Ansa, DG of CRSPHCDA, Dr Janet Ekpenyong, Permanent Secretary SMOH, Takon Asu Takon and Board Director Dr Echeng Imoke, State Epidemiologist, Mrs Inyang Ekpenyong and Mr Alfred Mboto amongst others, visited the 13 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, DSS State Headquarters, State Immigration Office, Commissioner of Police office and Nigerian Civil Defence State Command to solicit support in enforcing restrictions occasdioned by Coronavirus outbreak which would ensure citizenry adhere to Stay at home directives amongst others.
Speaking, Dr Betta Edu said the Taskforce embarked on this important advocacy to garner support from the Military and paramilitary security agencies across the State to help enforce the laid down state Covid-19 protocols.
The Commissioner maintained that the advocacy campaigns to the Nigerian Army and other paramilitary agencies is initiated by the State government to assist in arousing the consciousness of residents to the need to break the cycle of transmission in the country by following restrictions issued by the Governor and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
To keep our state COVID-19 free protocols such as restriction on social gathering, social distancing, suspension of cultural and religious activities, transport regulations amongst others must be adhered to.
She used the opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army, DSS, Police, Immigration and Nigerian Civil Defence for their support to the state while calling on them to be part of the inauguration of the Cross River State Covid-19 Adhoc and Monitoring Taskforce. She appealed to the security agencies to remain vigilant, as all hands will be required in this fight.
Responding, Brigadier General O.T Olatoye commended the Cross River State Government for their effort so far in battling Covid-19 while calling on the State Government to put in place strict enforcement of borders across the state with his assurance to support the process. Olatoye further noted that the army will go beyond the usual as it activates it’s “second 11”.
Also Speaking, State Director of DSS, A.A. Ilupeju said the DSS will collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to support the State. He, However insisted that religious gathering should be suspended immediately.
He said even in the bible God instructed on respecting constituted authorities in accordance to the divine law going against constituted authority directives is going against Gods law. Similarly, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nkereuwem Akpan promised to create special response team for the enforcement of laid down protocols by Cross River State Government for Coronavirus Pandemic.
