The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was shocked to the marrows following the insensitive request by Ogun State government that Secondary School students should pay a sum of #25,000 each for laughable Covid 19 Test as part of overall requirements for the reopening schools for Senior Secondary School 3 students to write their examinations.
The PDP noted with great concerns how a government which ought to be a reliable source of succour to the people especially given the excruciating pains that the people of Ogun state have endured as a result of the current global pandemic.
Without any doubt, the PDP condemns in strong terms the obnoxious request issued by government through one Mrs Ronke Soyombo, a Special Adviser to the governor.
For us as a party, such request is sheer callousness. It signals irresponsibility. It clearly beats any sensible imagination that a government that prides itself as progressive has successfully thrown the required milk of compassion for the people to the dogs all in a wicked attempt to wreck untold hardship on the people.
Perhaps we should remind this decorated agony called government that the central reality is that about 90% of Ogun people can not afford such huge burden of #25,000. For us, such tests, if necessary at all, should be an exclusive right of the affected students, either in private or public schools. They should enjoy unhindered access to such basic necessity of life. It’s their right.
Again, it must be stated without mincing words that PDP, being a direct reflection of the collective aspirations of the people which the ruling government has serially battered and maltreated, shall continue to partner with the affected students, their over stretched parents and other critical stakeholders in educational sector and other sectors in making sure that all draconian policies of the government are rejected.
Lastly, while the PDP wishes to extend its greatest sympathy and solidarity with Ogun parents and other stakeholders, we make bold to say that it’s the height of blatant insensitivity for the ruling government to pass its civic responsibilities on parents who are already over burdened with all sorts of agonies and misfortunes that the ruling government’s NEXT LEVEL represents.
Accordingly, the PDP charges the ruling government to come down from its high horse of arbitrariness by withdrawing the controversial request for a test fee and begin to cultivate compassionate habit of responsibility to the welfare of the people.
Signed:
Bankole Akinloye(jp)
State Publicity Sec.
PDP Ogun State.
Aug. 2, 2020
