The Edo State Government has come out to say that it would keep enforcing the laws and regulations to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

The government recently urged political parties to restrict the conduct of their primary elections within the protocols and provisions of the state’s COVID-19 Quarantine Regulations and Gazette on political gatherings.

According to Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, the state does not intend to spare anyone who goes against the stipulated health rules amid the pandemic.

He added that the government is committed to protecting the lives of Edo people while ensuring that its healthcare system, which is already overstretched, is not overwhelmed.

His words, “The Edo State Government is calling on all political parties holding primary elections to restrict themselves to conduct their activities within the protocols and regulations provided for in the Edo State Coronavirus (COVID-19) Quarantine Regulations and the Government’s Gazette on political gatherings during this pandemic.

“These guidelines were issued in fulfilment of government’s statutory duty to ensure the protection of lives and property in the state, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.”

“However, we note with concern that all the political parties conducting primary elections in Edo State have notified the government of their readiness to comply with the extant laws and COVID-19 regulations, except the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The APC appears resolved to carry on with the conduct of their primary election in violation of the Edo State COVID-19 Quarantine Regulations and the State Government’s Gazette on political gatherings in a pandemic.”

“We also have it on good authority that these persons have imported thugs into the state to actualize this illegality, further threatening the peace and security of our dear state.

“In light of this, we want to state unequivocally that the Edo State Government will spare no expense in upholding the law and protecting the lives of our people. We will ensure we identify and prosecute anyone who engages in this illegality and their collaborators, should they proceed with this unlawful conduct.”

“We also want to appeal to the Presidency, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to prevail on those behind this act of lawlessness, to desist forthwith with their planned activity.

“We restate our commitment to protect the lives of Edo people and ensure that all activities during this period are done in compliance with extant laws and regulations to safeguard the people and ensure that our healthcare system, which is already overstretched, is not overwhelmed.”