The Anambra State government has been urged to ensure the safety of civil servants in the state, as they set to resume work.
Governor Willie Obiano had announced the easing of lockdown in the state, asking workers to begin work, just as markets have also opened.
Mr Johnbosco Onunkwo, a politician and philanthropist in the state, however, said it was not enough for Obiano to order workers to return to work, but to take steps to ensure their protection.
Onunkwo in a press release made available to DAILY POST acknowledged that the state cannot remain perpetually locked down, but stated that as much as the economy needs to be driven out of the quagmire, the governor must ensure the well-being of the citizens by providing them protective devices.
“The state will not be on perpetual lockdown, it is however absolutely necessary for the state government not to take the welfare of the workers for granted but to ensure that while in the service of Anambra and in the face of the risk of contracting the Coronavirus, the workers are adequately protected.
“Obiano must commit to the twin tasks of ensuring as well as enhancing the welfare of the workers. This is because the lives of the Anambra State civil servants are priceless and we cannot afford to lose them due to any form of omission on the part of the government.
“I also implore the State Government to as a matter of urgency ensure that the state secretariat and other government offices including public schools across the state are thoroughly decontaminated before workers resume in such offices to guarantee a safe working environment for our civil servants.”
He advised the State Government to follow the gradual easing template of the Federal Government by allowing government offices to open only three times a week, and close by 2pm each day as the government continues to monitor situations.