Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has said with the level of misinformation on COVID-19, his government has criminalized any further denial of the virus’s existence in the state.
Governor Lalong, who earlier contracted the virus, spoke about his experience at a meeting held with plateau stakeholders on the second wave of covid-19 and security issues held at the victoria Gowon hall, new government house, little Rayfield Jos.
“For those who are in denial and continue to misinform others that COVID-19 does not exist, I want to warn them to desist. I, as the number one citizen of the state, was a victim and God helped me to come out of it. I can tell you that it is not a joke and I do not wish even my enemies such an experience,” he said.
He said the decision to “criminalize further denial of the disease in the state, was made at the last executive meeting.”
“In other words, if you deny the existence of the disease, keep your denial to yourself because if you are caught propagating it or instigating others to follow you, you will be arrested and prosecuted no matter how highly placed you might be.”
The Plateau state Governor also expressed with sadness how that the state is recording more daily cases than previously.
“Sadly, we are also recording an increasing number of deaths that is very worrisome. In the past weeks, we have seen some prominent persons in Plateau State and indeed across Nigeria dies from COVID-19.
“Mostly, we hear of the big names but do not get to hear of the others involving people that (who) are less prominent. This should give us serious concern because it means that the situation is bigger than what we seem to know.”
“In fact, many have abandoned and refused to observe simple protocols of wearing face masks, maintaining social distance and washing hands regularly,” he added.
“This worries me a lot because this recklessness is further exposing more people to the virus and then increasing the casualty figures. While we have no intention of imposing another lockdown to avoid further damage to the economy, some members of the public are not helping us.”
The Governor further stated that the state was re-strategizing and embarking on more education and sensitization particularly to local communities.
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