COVID-19 lockdown: Governors demand President Buhari to impose curfew, make wearing of facemasks mandatory

Governors of the 36 states want President Muhammadu Buhari to impose curfew and make wearing of face masks in public compulsory, Onyxnews Nigeria can report.

In a letter addressed to Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, stated that the governors also sought the approval of the president on inter-state ban.

This reliable online news platform understands that Governor of Ekiti and chairman of the NGF, Kayode Fayemi said he and his fellow governors believe that those actions were necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

On March 30, President Buhari ordered a 14-day lockdown, by then there were 97 cases in the country but after the first lockdown elapsed on 13 April, the cases of the pandemic increased to 323.

The president had extended it by two weeks, explaining that speedy increase in cases made him take the decision.

Nigerians are anxious to know the next presidential directive on the lockdown would be as the cases of COVID’19 presently jumped to 1,095.

In the letter which was dated April 24 to Mustapha, who is also the head of the presidential task force on COVID-19, stared that the governors said they would like to have their suggestion in the next presidential intervention.

He said the governors had met with Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo through a teleconference on April 22.

The letter read thus:
“Recall at that meeting, it was agreed that the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) articulates the issues that it would want to be included in the next Presidential Pronouncement on COVID-19 so as to have a Uniform and Coordinated Policy on COVID-19 at both the national and sub-national levels.

“Subject to Mr President’s approval, the NGF would want the following incorporated into Mr. President’s Pronouncements.

“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.”

During the media briefing of the task force, Mustapha had said the recommendations of the governors would be included in the report that would be submitted by the task force.

President Buhari would address Nigerians on the next line of action by Monday.