As Nigerians eagerly await another nationwide broadcast from President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has asked the President to scale down the total lockdown imposed in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.
This was contained in a letter dated April 24, 2020 and signed by NGF chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State.
The letter was addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha.
The Governors have asked Buhari to allow free movement in all the states, but with restrictions on large gatherings.
The other things the governors want incorporated into President Buhari’s impending pronouncement on the lockdown are: “Inter-state lockdown, excluding movement of essential supplies- food, beverages, medical and pharmaceutical, 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.”
Fayemi said NGF’s position was a follow up to a teleconference meeting with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, on April 22, 2020.
“Recall at the 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,” he added.
Nigeria currently has 1095 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 208 discharged and 32 deaths.
Buhari is expected to make a new announcement on Monday, April 27, when the second 14-day lockdown elapses.