An official correspondence from the Honorable commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Ekiti state to his ministry staff revealed a level of interventionist support package for the staff. a copy of the memo as shown below categorically stated:
From: The Honourable Attorney- General
To: Staff, Ministry of Justice
Subject Matter: COVID -19
*Date: * 31 March 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Mr. Governor has directed that Heads of MDAs provide clear directives to their Staff on measures by Government to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Ekiti State. I will use this opportunity to announce specific interventions in support of MOJ Staff that may be in need of support during this period.
- As you must be aware the State Government has prescribed the following directives to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Ekiti State
Executive Order No. 4, 2020 – Temporary Prohibition of Large Assemblages and Events, Temporary School Closures, Prohibition of Excess Passengers in Commercial Vehicles/ 20 March 2020.
Attorney-General’s Advisory to Law Enforcement Agencies on Enforcement of Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 Ekiti State / 23 March 2020.
Ekiti State Coronavirus Disease (Prevention of Infection) Regulations 2020.
Declaration of Coronavirus Disease (COVID- 19) as a dangerous and infectious disease in Ekiti state.
- It is important that Staff of the MOJ (Lawyers and Administrative Staff) familiarise themselves with these directives. We should support the Government’s Public Education Programme by educating our friends, families, and neighbours on how these directives affect us all. In general, the message that should be conveyed is that these measures are for the benefit of all those living in Ekiti State. COVID-19 does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, economic status, religion, political inclination or any other attribute.
- In particular, the Government of Ekiti State cannot afford an outbreak of COVID-19 of the nature that is now emerging in Lagos State. We simply do not have the human and material resources. Prevention by any means possible is therefore in our enlightened self-interest.
- Effective midnight today, the two weeks curfew imposed by the State Government will commence. The provisions of the Ekiti State Coronavirus Disease (Prevention of Infection) Regulations 2020 exempt State Counsel from the restrictions imposed on the movement of persons and vehicles. However, this exemption only applies to State Counsel who will be required for the purpose of prosecuting persons who violate these Regulations. Some Directors and Staff may be called upon at intervals during this period. The Permanent Secretary will communicate appropriately when necessary.
- This morning I inaugurated the MOJ team of Prosecutors for the enforcement of COVID-19 Regulations. I have directed the Director, Public Prosecutions to review the adequacy and efficiency of this team on a weekly basis. If necessary we will increase numbers as the situation evolves. I have directed the Permanent Secretary to immediately put in place modalities for the payment of reasonable allowances to the team including all those whose presence will be required at the MOJ during this period. Given the recent reports of Sexual Violence, I have also directed that the Special Assistant, Gender and Vulnerable persons be available to enable the Ministry to respond speedily to cases of rape and child defilement. It will also be necessary that the Directorate of Citizens’ Rights should remain open for the purpose of responding to cases of domestic violence.
- I look forward to the conclusion of all outstanding assignments, including draft laws, briefs, legal opinion, publications, vetting of contracts, agreements and MOUs during this period. Departmental heads should be available on the 1st day of resumption to present briefings on the state of their departments including activity reports
- I did mention that I am aware that some of our colleagues might struggle during this period. I note that March salaries have been paid, I am also aware that the bulk of prosecution fees have been paid across departments. I am aware that overtime allowances have been paid to deserving staff and money owed to Temporary Staff has been paid. These will undoubtedly go a long way to ameliorate the hardship that this period may cause.
- In addition to these interventions, I am able to announce the establishment of the MOJ Emergency Response Scheme for the duration of the Curfew. The purpose of this scheme is to provide support for our Staff in three main areas. Food, Medical, and Emergency Transportation.
There is now established commencing today the MOJ Food Bank Programme to be accessible to all Staff on levels 02 – 06. The process of distributing Foodstuff has begun and will continue until the end of the curfew period.
- I have also directed the Permanent Secretary to enter into an arrangement with Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital for the purposes of providing medical advice and treatment to Staff with serious medical needs during this period. This arrangement is for serious medical emergencies only. The MOJ Emergency Response Team will determine what constitutes a serious medical emergency. This scheme is only available to Staff of the MOJ.
- The MOJ bus will be available during this period. In addition to providing support for medical emergencies, support will also be given to members of staff who require urgent transportation within Ado-Ekiti and environs and who are not able to move around because of the curfew. Again this arrangement is for emergency situations only.
- To facilitate these arrangements, I have accepted the nominations of Awoniyi Felix (08036412099) as Coordinator of the MOJ Emergency Response Team to be assisted by Atinuke Ogunjobi . The facilitator may with the approval of the Permanent Secretary appoint additional persons to the team. They will be available 24 Hours daily to respond to emergency requests from MOJ Staff.
- May I wish you all a healthy curfew period. We shall have cause to rejoice at the end of it all.
