Dipo Olowookere
By Dipo Olowookere
On Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the immediate lockdown of Kano State over the health crisis in the ancient city.
In his speech on Monday night, President Buhari said the total lockdown will last two weeks and efforts would be made to ensure the state is assisted to bring situations under control.
Kano State had witnessed strange deaths in the past days, raising tensions in some parts of the country.
While the state government led by Mr Abdullahi Ganduje claimed the deaths were not unusual, others have said they may be linked with the deadly coronavirus disease.
While addressing Nigerians today, Mr Buhari said, “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 preventing the risk of further spread to neighbouring states.”
He also used the occasion to announce the extension of lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja by one week till Monday, May 4, 2020.
He said thereafter, the state governments can implement a gradual easing of the movement cessation under some strict guidelines.
He said these guidelines include an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am, prohibiting movements 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; and
“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,” he said.
Mr Buhari thanked Nigerians “for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens and residents.”
He also thanked the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date and then thanked “corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN system, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.”
