he government of Anambra has announced that the Nigerian Army stopped the medical outreach it is undertaking in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state, following an advice by the state government.
The development was announced in a statement signed by Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG). According to the statement, the exercise sparked strong apprehension among the populace, leading to the withdrawal of students from schools by parents and misconception of the actual motive for the exercise by stakeholders, community leaders, and the general public for whom it was intended.
To avoid further escalation of the situation, the statement disclosed, the governor, Mr. Willie Obiano, advised the Army to immediately halt the exercise until considerable public sensitization is conducted to reassure people of its intentions and benefits.t
“The exercise has therefore been put on hold. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to stop withdrawing their wards from schools as the situation has been handled. All schools within the state will remain open as there is no cause for alarm. Community leaders, Presidents-General, and all stakeholders are hereby reassured of the commitment of the governor and the state government to the well-being of Ndi Anambra,” the statement said.
The Anambra State government condemned the misrepresentation of the situation on the social media, which insinuated that the exercise resulted in the spread of diseases and deaths of students, adding that it was made to understand that the exercise is part of Army’s social responsibility.
“The state government categorically refutes the rhetoric and confirms that there is no death of any student anywhere in the state. Mischief makers are warned to desist from spreading falsehood. Anambra remains calm and peaceful,” the government stated.