Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi yesterday disclosed that the state would from today begin aggressive enforcement of the use of nose masks and social distancing to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Fayemi stated that those found breaching the protocol will be prosecuted with appropriate legal sanctions, like fines and observation of community services as punitive measures.
Fayemi expressed worries over lack of compliance with COVID-19 regulations in the state , especially wearing of nose masks.
The governor, who spoke through the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olawale Fapohunda, in Ado Ekiti, on Sunday, said special offences court where the violators would be prosecuted had been set up.
He added that in addition to fines, convicted offenders would be made to undergo community service.
Fayemi, who also described as unacceptable many residents’ believe that the pandemic is not real, said the state government would as from Monday begin enforcement of the COVID-19 regulations with appropriate sanctions for violators of use of nose masks and social distancing.
Fapohunda said, “Mr Governor is very concerned about what appears to us to be lack of compliance with the COVID-19 regulations in Ekiti State, particularly nose masks.
“We are concerned that a large and an unacceptable number of our people continue to believe that COVID-19 pandemic is not real. The state government is keen to correct that wrong impression. From Monday, the state government will begin the enforcement of these regulations. ”
Fapohunda, who reminded transport operators on the need to reject passengers without nose masks to avoid sanction, said, “Both the cyclist and the offender are liable. Okada riders or the transport operators should also enforce the wearing of the mask.