- Implement Inter-state Restriction of Movement
- Sustain Ban on Large Gatherings
36 State Governors in the country through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to ease the Covid-19 lockdown in states.
In a letter written to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, dated 24th April, 2020, the governors told the President to incorporate their agreed positions to the next Presidential pronouncement on the lockdown updates.
The letter sighted by The New Diplomat was signed by NGF Chairman and the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi entitled ‘Covid-19 Protocol: Input on the Proposed Presidential Intervention.’
While the Governors backed internal free movement of persons and goods in individual states, they asked Buhari to sustain the interstate lockdown excluding essential workers and supplies to curtail the state-state spread of the rampaging virus.
Also, they advised the President to stay the status quo on large gatherings and assemblies in the country.
According to the letter, the Governors’ positions include: “Interstate 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 on flights; and compulsory use of face masks/coverings in the public.”
Recall The New Diplomat reported that the Governors at their 6th videoconference, Wednesday unanimously agreed to the implementation of an inter-state lockdown in the country over the next two weeks to mitigate spread of the virus from state to state.
Lagos, Ogun and FCT Abuja have been under lockdown for about four weeks following the President’s directives issued in two separate nationwide broadcasts.
Aside the two states and the FCT, all states in the country are currently under one of movement restriction or the order which varies in states.
However, Nigerians are anxiously waiting for the next pronouncement by the President on the lockdown which was extended by another 14 days on 6th of April, about a fortnight ago. The extension will elapse on Monday.
While extending the lockdown, Buhari said it became necessary following the daily increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country. On Friday, Nigeria crossed 1000 mark of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Despite the good intentions and sundry officials’ explanations on the lockdown targeted at curtailing coronavirus spread, the acute hardship in the country has forced Nigerians to defy the order as government’s palliatives haven’t reached the critical segment of the masses breeding widespread social unrest.
