FOR THE LOVE OF EDO PEOPLE: Obaseki Suspends Revenue Collection for April

…as Insured Good People Organization (IGP) Commends Governor

By Emeke Nwaoboli

The benevolent wake-and-see-good-things governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has suspended all forms of revenue collection from transporters in Edo State for the month of April, 2020 as a palliative measure to mitigate the economic effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on residents.

Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, Esq., while making this known in a release said the move was to enable transporters comply with the government’s social distancing guideline, aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.

The release reads: “This is to inform the general public that Edo State Government’s regulations as regards containing the COVID-19, pandemic have not been lifted.

“For avoidance of doubt, members of the public are to note that the following measures are to be strictly adhered to: Ban on gathering of more than 20 persons; maintenance of social distancing of at least 1 metre; all businesses remain closed except markets for food items, pharmaceuticals products and eateries; suspension of all collection of revenues from transporters for the month of April 2020; all transporters should abide by the regulations already announced as regards number of passengers to be carried per vehicle.

“Please, note that the various security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the above government directives”.

It is no news in Edo State again that although the cost of fuel has nationally reduced, in Edo State, and as generic in Nigeria, the cost of transportation has skyrocketed owing to the directive that taxis and smaller cars can only currently carry one passenger in front and two at the back seats, while buses carry one passenger in front and two in each row in a bid to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The president of the Insured Good People (IGP), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) geared towards fighting crimes, abuse and molestation, Mr. Edefe Osagie has however commended the governor’s move adding that the reason why IGP always supports the governor is because of his compassion and love for Edo people.

Mr. Osagie added that the governor will soon execute more plans to ensure that during this “trying times”, hunger would not be the problem of Edo State residents, and neither would there be a continuous and undue hike of essential commodities in the state.

Osagie appealed to Edo State residents to be supportive of governor Obaseki while asserting that although the governor has many opponents who are fighting tooth and nail to make sure that the wake-and-see governor’s efforts are futile but that God will not allow than.

Corona Virus is real. While you pray, take precautions. Use hand sanitizers, wash your hand regularly, self-isolate yourself, wear face mask and hand gloves.