Coronavirus: Nigerian Governors Makes U-turn, Asks President Buhari To Relax Lockdown

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to relax the coronavirus lockdown imposed in some states to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus pamdemic in the country.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had on Wednesday approved the implementation of a 14 days nationwide lockdown in the 36 states.

However, in a letter by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), dated April 24, 2020, the Governors asked President Buhari to allow free movement in all the states, but with restrictions on large gatherings.

The letter which was signed by NGF chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, was addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha.

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.

As of the time of filing this report on April 25th, the coronavirus had spread to 26 states and the FCT, with 1,095 cases recorded across the country. While 208 patients had been discharged, 32 had died.