Cautions against arbitrary hike in price of commodities
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on Nigerians to band together in support of government policies to confront and combat the coronavirus pandemic, which is ravaging different parts of the world.
The governor said this in commemoration of the International Day of Conscience marked every year by the United Nations and its sister organs.
The governor said in the face of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, it behooves on citizens to abide by the guidelines rolled out by the government in containing the spread of the virus and protect the people.
According to him, “As we mark the International Day of Conscience, which is a day that celebrates unity and peaceful co-existence anchored on the upholding of human dignity by doing what is right and humane, we are reminded of the need to abide by rules set to protect us and our neighbours against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“At the federal and state levels, a lot of initiatives have been taken to protect the people and guard them against contracting the virus. What is required of us, as conscientious citizens, is to abide by the rules to stay safe and at home so that we do not endanger ourselves and our loved ones.”
The governor also used the opportunity to enjoin the people to imbibe the culture of peace with love and conscience, noting that it was through such conduct that the bonds of brotherliness can be formed and sustained in the face of daunting challenges facing mankind.
Noting that it was inhuman for traders to hike the price of goods in these trying times, he cautioned traders in the state against the practice, noting that it was not only bad business practice, but goes against the spirit of good brotherliness in the face of a global human disaster.
He added that the measures taken to stem the spread of coronavirus may threaten social relationships in the short run, but praised the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for bridging the gap and sustaining social and business relations.
The UN General Assembly, conscious of the need for the creation of conditions of stability and well-being and peaceful and friendly relations based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion, declared 5 April the International Day of Conscience.
The Day is being marked to build the Culture of Peace with Love and Conscience in accordance with the culture and other appropriate circumstances or customs of their local, national and regional communities, including through quality education and public awareness-raising activities, thereby fostering sustainable development.
