- May Likely Accede To Governors’ Request At 8pm
President Muhammadu Buhari is billed to address the nation today by 8pm as Nigerians anticipate his pronouncement on the relaxation of the Covid-19 lockdown which has lasted for one month in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT Abuja.
Barring any last minute changes to the President’s decision ahead of the nationwide address, bookmakers believe he may likely accede to the Governors’ request asking him to ease the lockdown order on states.
The New Diplomat had reported on Saturday that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum are in favour of the lockdown relaxation following the outcome of their meeting last week.
But it’s a tough call for the President as sources reveal that the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, apparently worried by the increasing number of confirmed cases in the country, wants the president to stay the lockdown order to minimize the virus spread against the Governors’ request.
In the letter signed by Ekiti State Governor and NGF Chairman, Kayode Fayemi, the Governors had asked Buhari to include the following in his broadcast today: “Inter-State lockdown excluding movement of essential supplies foods, beverages, medical and pharmaceuticals, petroleum supplies and agricultural products:
Internal free movement but with restrictions on large gatherings and assemblies;
Overnight curfews:
Lockdown of flights: and
Compulsory use of face masks/ coverings in the public.”
However, a source revealed that following the Governors’ stiff resistance to the idea of a total lockdown, the PTF on COVID-19 may have backtracked, but with certain conditions. He said PTF members are against internal free movement in states and also want stringent measures implemented in Lagos, Ogun, Abuja and Kano should the President insist on relaxing the lockdown.
“I don’t think they (the PTF on COVID-19) have serious objection except with internal free movement where they believe that we should not relax the lockdown in the epicentres of Lagos, Kano, FCT and Ogun. They may be right,” a source said.
Earlier, the President’s Spokesman, Femi Adesina had told Nigerians that Buhari will address the nation by 8pm Monday. “Television, radio and other electronic media stations are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively for the broadcast,” he said.
