COVID-19: Buhari Lockdown of Lagos, Ogun, FCT to ease from May 4 -Buhari; Regrets molestation of Nigerians
By Ismaila Chafe
Abuja, April 27, 2020
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from May 4, to safeguard the economy.
The president, in a nationwide broadcast in Abuja, however, said that the current lockdown would remain in place until these new ones come into effect on May 4.
Buhari also announced an overnight curfew from 8 p.m to 6 a.m, saying that all movements would be prohibited during the period except for essential services.
“In line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, May 4.
“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.
“Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows:
“There will be an overnight curfew from 8 p.m to 6 a.m. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services.
“There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice.
“Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers.
“We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.
“`Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.”
According to the president, the revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State where a strange disease has been reported recently.
He said: “With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately.
“The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and prevent the risk of further spread to neighbouring States.”
President Buhari also said that the reported cases of harassment and molestation of Nigerians during the lockdown are regrettable, and those found guilty will be brought to justice.
The president, in the broadcast, however, stated that security agencies would continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation.
He said: “Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation.
“While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents, I want to assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remain our primary concern especially in these difficult and uncertain times.
“As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuse by our security agencies.
“The few reported incidences are regrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.’’
The president urged all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents.
“Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed that the personnel of all the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment against infection,’’ he said.
