EDITORIAL: Selective Enforcement

THE State Government of Osun and its imaginative, hardworking Health Commissioner, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu deserve commendation for going the extra mile in responding to the totally unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. 

It must however be stated that at this crucial stage of a second wave, there must be a review and finetuning. Due to human frailties, lapses are beginning to show up. We are in full agreement that the rules in an existential threat must be rigorously enforced, but it must not be selective. Closing down a place of entertainment at the same time overlooking blatant infringement of the same protocols by politicians, religious houses etc, is unacceptable. 

The authorities should ensure uniformity in enforcement in order to strengthen positive public perception and fairness.

 A perception of unfairness or double standards is at variance with the consent that is so vital in enforcement in a democracy. Furthermore, there should be leadership by example, which means that those in the spotlight must, like Caesar’s wife, be demonstrably above board. 

Perceptions of double standards in effect undermine the acceptance of difficult orders so necessary for effective implantation.

Once again we commend the authorities for their sterling effort.