As the confirmed cases of the Coronavirus Pandemic continues to increase exponentially in Nigeria, the Member representing Riyom Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly and Chairman House Committee on Housing and Urban Develooment, Hon. Timothy Dantong has called on the people to take all safety, preventive and precautionary measures seriously saying the dreaded disease is real and should not be treated with kid gloves.

He called on government to step down sensitization and awareness campaign to the grassroots as well as provide the people with the items needed to fight the disease.

He urged the people to stay at home, avoid unnecessary movements, practice social distancing, wash their hands frequently with soap/sanitizers, avoid crowded places, eat fruits/vegetables rich in Zinc & Vitamin C to boost their immune system, not to touch their eyes/noses/mouths/ears and maintain good personal hygiene all the time. He urged them to report persons with symptoms to the appropriate health authoroties.

Hon. Timothy Dantong also made case for palliative measures to alleviate the hardship being faced by the people on account of government directives which are aimed at addressing the spread of the virus.

He said people in his Constituency are predominantly farmers who produce in commercial quantities for other State’s consumption.
He said as it is, farmers can no longer take their farm produce to Abuja, Lagos and other States that have restrictions due to government directives.

He commended the Plateau State government for the prompt and proactive measures put in place to curb the scourge.

Hon. Dantong admonished the people to comply strictly to government directives but frowned at human right abuses by the security agencies on those who contravene the regulations.

He also charged the government to ensure they get all necessary approvals in line with constitutional provisions before expending funds on COVID-19. He called for accountability and transparency as well as judicious use of funds meant for Coronavirus pandemic on the part of government.

He frowned at the inability of government to carry the State Legislators along on the Covid-19 situation. He said as representatives of the people, there is need for them to be involved in driving the process to the grassroots.

He called on the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong to approve and grant full autonomy to the Plateau State House of Assembly so as to serve the people better and attract people-oriented projects to the grassroots.

He said in his little way, he has undertaken awareness campaign and distributed items to all the Wards in his Constituency calling on government, organisation and spirited individuals to assist the people in the best way they can.

He made these known on Rhythm 93.7 FM Jos where he was hosted by David Onimisi King on Wednesday 1st April, 2020.

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COVID-19: It is Real, Preventive Measures Should be Taken Serious to Avoid Spread – Hon. Dantong