The apparent inadequate preparations by the Anambra state government to fight the Coronavirus now spreading nationwide, has drawn the ire of Iyom Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the wife of respected late Igbo leader, Dim Emeka Ojukwu.
In an open letter to Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, Bianca bemoaned the seemingly lackadaisical attitude of both the state government and its people to the spread of the disease.
In the letter which expresses her concern, Mrs Odumegwu-Ojukwu said: “Your Excellency,
It is quite worrisome that people generally, are going about unruffled about the catastroptic consequences of this Coronavirus pandemic, particularly in Anambra State, with two of the largest markets in the East and in West Africa, where inadequate provisions have been put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
“Yes, markets are now closed, but what preparations have you made to battle this global pandemic?.
“I am quite impressed by the state of the art isolation centers recently put up at Akwa Ibom as well as Lagos States, but quite concerned about what was reported about the arrangements put in place for isolation in designated Anambra State Hospitals.
“General Hospital Onitsha: No Designated Isolation Centre with bedspaces, no ventilators, no respirators, no protective kits…
“Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital Nnewi: A Small Room with No ventilators, respirators and no kits.
“COOU Teaching Hospital, Awka: Same as above. The situation is also the same at the General Hospitals at Umueri and Ekwulobia.
“This is unacceptable. Millions of Lives are at risk, and governments all over the country have been given ample time to prepare and put life saving measures in place. Now is the time to put your government internally generated revenue to use for safeguarding lives of citizens in the state.
“I am sure the usual govt. media attack dogs will jump out to bark about the need to protect your government’s image at this time, but remember that this virus knows no boundaries, or status. Tomorrow It could be your loved one that is affected. By then, it Will be too late. Silence , most times, translates to acquiescence.
“Anambra needs a custom built and properly equipped and staffed Isolation Centre NOW! Even a large reinforced tent with beds and the necessary equipment, most especially respirators and ventilators, is better than the inadequate provisions that are presently in place.
“This is the least that this government owes its citizens at this time. And this applies to every other state in the federation which is yet to comply.”
