The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to add more efforts in fighting against the spread of cholera within the state. The opposition party emphasized the necessity for the government to provide a robust emergency response to the epidemic. Addressing the issue on Friday in Lagos, the State Publicity Secretary of the LP, Olubunmi Odesanya, expressed disappointment that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has not adequately addressed the severity of the situation.
Odesanya emphasized that the state must take all possible measures to prevent unnecessary loss of lives. She criticized the government’s response so far as insufficient, noting that mere advisory statements have been issued without effective action.
“The Labour Party in Lagos State questions the responsiveness of the state government to the ongoing cholera epidemic, which is rapidly escalating,” Odesanya stated. “We are dismayed that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu government has not treated this issue with the urgency it demands. Has the government thoroughly investigated the root causes of the disease to mitigate its spread? The time for decisive action is now.”
Odesanya pointed out alarming statistics, stating, “Reported deaths have exceeded 40, with approximately 400 infections. Residents cannot afford unchecked propagation of this epidemic amidst existing socio-economic challenges.”
She further criticized the government’s approach, remarking, “The Labour Party in Lagos State continues to observe with astonishment the lukewarm attitude and disposition of the state government towards this issue. It appears that the gravity of the disease’s continued spread is not fully recognized by the state government. Instead of confronting this serious issue head-on by activating health systems to contain the epidemic, the Sanwo-Olu-led administration has only issued ineffective advisories that have failed to curb its spread.”
In conclusion, Odesanya reiterated the LP’s call for immediate and effective measures to control the cholera outbreak, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for a more proactive governmental response.