By: Israel Umoh
The contest on Mt. Carmel in the Bible paints a vivid account of two groups with opposing views. Mt. Carmel noted for a range of hills was known for Baal worship. Theologians analyse that only the state-supported false prophets were allowed to religiously lead the Israelites but the true prophets of God were relegated to the ground. As a result, the people were in a fix between falsehood and truth.
Angered by this, Prophet Elijah challenged the Baal prophets to a contest on Mt. Carmel to knowing the true God for people to worship. Unfortunately, the Baal worshippers failed to prove the potency of their god, but Elijah proved God’s omnipotence through fire from Heaven. He, therefore, ordered the execution of the Baal prophets to pave the way for truth.
In any interface between two or more persons, there is bound to be dissenting views. Between a husband and wife, government and its subjects, an argument is an oil used in grounding the dialogue. The conflict of opinions that gripped Baal worshippers and other Israelites centuries ago might sound distant. Yet, the same discordant chord was struck between some state government officials and a few members of Nigeria Medical Association, Akwa Ibom chapter following claims, counter-claims, and rebuttals over the coronavirus fight.
Dr. Emmanuel John, the Public Relations Officer of Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom chapter stirred the hornet’s nest that there were no ventilators in IDH, Ikot Ekpene, a place designated as isolation centre for COVID-19. Speaking on Planet 101.1 FM, Uyo on Tuesday, March 24, he further said that the state government did not carry them and other health professionals along in COVID-19 fight.
In reaction, Charles Udoh, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy speaking on Inspiration Radio, Uyo on Wednesday, March 25, accused NMA of being politically motivated to blame the government of not involving them in the pandemic fight and announced that there are ventilators in the isolation centre. Shortly after, the statement attracted huge attacks and wide condemnations from many Facebook writers and radio analysts and callers.
To further counter NMA’s claim, Aniekeme Finbarr in the Facebook post showed Charles Udoh accompanied by Dr. Udeme Ekrikpo, a kidney specialist in the state Specialist Hospital and some government media aides visiting the facilities at an emergency isolation unit and Multi-Specialty Hospital, Ikot Ekpene.
The reports also state “The Governor had in January this year, acquired four new ventilators and set up a world-class fully equipped isolated unit, in line with globally approved standards.
“The Isolation Unit has 3 automated beds and other support facilities.
“The four new ventilators bring to 19, the total number of ventilators in Akwa Ibom state, with 4 at the Uniuyo Teaching Hospital, 11 at the Specialty Hospital and 4 at other Government Clinics in the state.”
This is, indeed, a season of ambivalence- a season that government officials are churning out contradictory statements on a sensitive matter and the people- the subjects- holding contrary views. It is unfortunate and unbecoming in a democratic setting. The pandemic is a matter of life and death. Playing politics in the release of funds, collaboration with health practitioners and equipment of isolation centre aimed at populating the virus should not be an issue now.
Before the 2019 general elections, government officials held contrary opinions and ended up contradicting themselves on government policies. In the radio and newspapers, some commissioners talked about government constructing 1,600 kilometres, but other Senior Special Assistants of Special Assistants held different views. There was confusion everywhere in the government circle. And, of course, the government that is supposed to be a big masquerade accessed by the initiates was desecrated by the rookie appointees in the system owing to their conflicting opinions on sensitive issues.
To put paid to a dissonance in the communication line, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the secretary to the state government, issued a circular and barred government appointees from talking to the press. The circular only allowed the Commissioner for Information and Chief Press to the Governor to speak. But to the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, silence is golden as he does not believe in responding to matters concerning the governor, an attitude that helps to expand the vacuum of rumour mill.
On Tuesday, March 24, Dr. Ukpong told the so-called press that consequently, the task force has been mandated to monitor preventive measures put in place for gatherings of more than 10 persons, including churches, marriage/funeral ceremonies, and other celebrations who will be accommodated within the prescribed social distance of not less than 6ft. Non-compliance will necessitate an immediate shutdown of such facilities by the government.
Most members of the public understood differently. Many postponed burials, weddings and other ceremonies. Charles Udoh issued a press release on Wednesday, March 26, that there was no ban to social activities in the state. Most people who had postponed their ceremonies re-scheduled their ceremonies. What a gaffe by a government?
-To be continued
