Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Friday announced the arrest of 22 staff of Exxon Mobil, a multinational oil company; for entering the State in violation of the State Executive Order on Covid-19.
The governor, who made this known at a news conference in Port Harcourt, said that the oil workers; who entered Rivers from Akwa Ibom, were arrested by security agencies.
Further, Wike revealed that the 22 oil workers would be charged to court.
The Rivers helmsman disclosed that Caverton Helicopters also apologised to the state Government over the conduct; which led to the arrest of their pilots and passengers for violating the restriction orders. Also, he pointed out that the Exxon Mobil matter would be what he called; “a test case in legal jurisprudence in the country’’.
Specifically, Wike said: “Security agencies arrested 22 staff of Exxon Mobil who came into the state; from neighbouring Akwa Ibom State in violation of the extant Executive Order restricting movement into the state. We do not know the Coronavirus status of these individuals.
“Even though security agencies advised that they be allowed to go back to Akwa Ibom State; I insisted that the law must take its course. This is because nobody is above the law. As a responsive government, we have quarantined them in line with the relevant health protocols…They will be charged to court,’’ he declared.
“Federal Authorities are working dangerously to compromise the health protection system of Rivers State and thereby make people vulnerable to Coronavirus’’.
Wike, who said that his administration followed due process in its actions against Caverton Helicopters; noted that he is focused on implementing extant laws aimed at protecting the people of Rivers. He said that two pilots of Caverton Helicopters flew in and landed at the Air Force Base Port Harcourt; with 10 passengers on board their Twin-Otter Helicopter on April 7.
According to the governor, the crew landed “without any prior notice or approval from the State Government; and in clear breach of the extant COVID-19 Regulations and Executive Order. The pilots and 10 passengers were promptly arrested by security personnel and arraigned before the Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court on two separate charges.”
Meanwhile, Wike stated that his administration established the right legal framework to assist it effectively fight the spread of coronavirus. The governor, who disclosed that the second case of COVID-19 in Rivers had been discharged; gave thanks to God for his blessing to the state.
Following the extension of the lockdown announced by the Plateau State Government as part of the measures to curtail the spread of the pandemic Coronavirus, Senator Hezekiah Dimka, a Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District today donated palliatives to his constituents in trying to cushion effects of the lockdown amidst the global Covid19 pandemic.
The Senator was represented by his Senior Legislative aide ND Shehu Kanam alongside other top aides. At national level Dimka sacrificed his monthly allowance and salary to support the Federal Government in the fight against the spread of Covid19 in the nation.
At the state Level,Senator Dimka donated items worth millions of naira to the state Government before the lockdown extension, Senator Dimka today carried out the official donation of items to his constituents.
Shehu said:
“We know the plight of the poor and the vulnerable, we have 500 bags of maize to be adequately distributed geared towards addressing the extension of the lock down on the Plateau. The representative of the Senator further stated that the palliatives is for the Poorest of the poor as Government cannot afford to take care of every household. He will continue to lend his helping hands as we find a lasting way out of the Corona Virus Pandemic that has affected lives of people”
while receiving the items on behalf of the Chairman Of Mangu Local Government Engr. Lawrence Danat, Mr Sunday Yilkes, The secretary of the LGA says
“we will want to appreciates the distinguished Senator for having concerns for his constituency at this disturbing time, He has shown to us that he is a true representative of his people and We will continue to support his efforts, We will ensure that What he has brought is duly shared to the vulnerable”.
The Zonal chairman of APC Morris gusam applauded efforts of the government, that Covid19 has not enter Plateau State as he appreciates the Senator On behalf of central zone, he advised that “This materials is not for only the party but the people at this point in time, let’s Keep the party aside and face reality” he stressed.
A lot of people have misunderstood the lockdown extension period, this is a little break down of the lockdown as said by his Excellency during his speech.
The lock has been relaxed from Thursday 16th April, 2020 to Sunday 20th April, 2020 and will continue for the next 4 days ending 23rd April, 2020. The lockdown is not for the next two weeks (14 days) as going round the social media rather 4days total lockdown to meet the medical stipulated quarantine period of 14 days
Read Speech Below:
From the one week total lockdown, we have learnt many lessons that will guide our next steps. One of the biggest lessons is the fact that we cannot quarantine hunger. Therefore, Government has taken the following decisions going forward.
i. The total lockdown has been extended to 12 midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to meet the medically stipulated quarantine period of 14 days.
ii. However, beginning from 11pm tonight, Wednesday 15th April 2020, to 12 midnight of Sunday 19th April 2020, the total lockdown will be relaxed to enable people go out to restock their homes.
iii. By implication, the earlier restriction prior to the total lockdown remain. For the avoidance of doubt, all other markets remain closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas. In addition, all illegal street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited. The illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs remain banned. Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to remain closed, while restaurants are advised to prepare take away for their customers to avoid crowding.
iv. Motor parks are to capture and keep data including contacts of all inbound and outbound passengers as well as adhere strictly to social distancing and mass gathering prohibition order as well as hygiene regulations.
v. Vehicles (Keke Napep, Cars and Buses) are to abide by restriction on the number of passenger to carry, which have been spelled out as 1, 4 and 6 respectively.
vi. Places of worship are to strictly adhere to the 50 persons provision, while maintaining social distancing and hygiene regulations. The ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals remains in force.
vii. All entry and exit borders into the State will remain closed with greater reinforcement and CCTV surveillance to ensure total compliance.
viii. Anybody who violates this border closure and comes into Plateau will be arrested, prosecuted and quarantined for 14 days until it is confirmed that he/she is free of the disease.
ix. Farmers, particularly in the rural areas are exempted from the restrictions, as they are required to go to their farms now that the rains have started. However, they are to observe all guidelines for social distancing and hygiene.
x. In addition to the exemption of essential workers earlier announced, producers of food such as bread, water and beverages are also exempted.
xi. The mobile courts are to remain in place to try violators of Government directives.
xii. To address cases of sharp practices, human rights violations and compromise by some security personnel, Government has set up a high-powered Independent Intelligence Monitoring Team, which will report directly to me.
The attention of the Plateau State Youth Council has been called to a video that went viral on the internet on the interactive meeting between the House Committee on Federal Character and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Jos Nigeria. Having watched the interactive session several times and making a critical analysis of the discuss, the Plateau State Youth Council, which is the umbrella body of all youths on the Plateau irrespective of their political party, tribal extraction or religious beliefs wishes to;
1. Thank the House Committee on Federal Character for their tireless and relentless efforts in bringing sanity to our Federal Institutions and ensuring equity for all Nigerians irrespective of where they are coming from. However, the Council wishes to unequivocally call on the House Committee on Federal Character to request for the nominal roll of all Federal Universities in Nigeria and their employment status in the last five (5) years, and as well make an audit of the Human Resources of all Federal Universities and Institutions, so we can better appreciate this great job, and to dispel the thoughts that this is a witch hunt.
2. The Council noticed that the so-called interactive meeting did not meet the minimum acceptable standards. From the start to the finish, (assuming the meeting ended with the Vice Chancellor), the Vice Chancellor Professor Sabastian Seddi Maimako was not given the space and opportunity to defend himself. Rather, the House Committee on Federal Character came prepared with a mindset to embarrass, ridicule and intimidate the Vice Chancellor.
3. From the comments of the Vice Chancellor which the House Committee members where not keen to pay attention to, it is obvious that approvals were acquired and certificates of compliance have been obtained from the Federal Character Commission for these appointments. We have no doubt that given the opportunity, the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar would have given adequate explanations to these enquiries on the procedures on the employments carried for the period under review. However, supposed the University of Jos did not strictly adhered to Federal Character in employment as claimed by the House Committee on Federal Character, this should have been handled in a civil and holistic manner. Thus, the discourteous manner in which the Vice Chancellor was addressed is unprecedented, which leaves us with a bigger question.
4. We also wish to call the attention of the House Committee on Federal Character to the obvious fact that the Prestigious University of Jos is not the Federal University of Plateau people as claimed by a Hon member of the House Committee. The House Committee will not use the Office of the Vice Chancellor and that of the Registrar alone to make conclusions on such. Of the six (6) ranking members in the administration of the University of Jos, four (4) are not from Plateau State. The spread of principal officers in the University of Jos is one of the best in the country. Both Deputy Vice Chancellors, the Bursar and Librarian are not from Plateau State. The prearranged ambush on the person of the Vice Chancellor is a cheap blackmail, which should be condemned by all.
5. Additionally, it might also interest the House Committee on Federal Character to know that the University Council is constituted and inaugurated by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria who also happens to be the Visitor of the University according to extant rule. The appointments of these Council members were strategically done to represent the geographical spread in the country. This same Council conducted the interviews of the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar. Your attention is therefore drawn to the fact that the appointments of these two principal Officers were both based on merit and not based on quarter system hence due procedure was strictly adhered to in the selection process.
6. The House Committee on Federal Character may wish to be reminded that Prof Sabastian Seddi Maimako has performed exceedingly well in infrastructural development in the history of the University of Jos and should be given the accolades that he deserves rather than dwelling on mundane issues thereby distracting him. They may do well by avoiding setting double standards in their investigation, and also applying selective justice. What happened at that meeting was a mere harassment and intimidation from people we elected and that too is unacceptable. Members of the House Committee on Federal Character should tell Nigerians what is obtainable in their states and stop making a mockery of proceedings.
7. The House Committee on Federal Character may also wish to be reminded that Federal Character is Federal Character. It should and must be applied universally. They should probably tell Plateau people how many Plateau sons and daughters have Federal appointments as compared to the north east and north west or south west. The selective amnesia displayed by the Honourable members is simply absurd. It portrays institutional blackmail and intimidation. The House Committee on Federal Character should first do a self-search and purge themselves of the constant accusations meted on them with respect to giving employment opportunities to their constituents.
8. The Council wishes to salute the composure, calmness and display of statesmanship by Prof Sabastian Seddi Maimako and the Registrar. The duo are true heroes and patriotic Nigerians who refused to be intimidated by the House Committee members. The Plateau State Youth Council stands with you at this moment. We are proud of your achievements which includes reclaiming lands that belong to the University of Jos that were illegally acquired and restoring hope in the University Community.
9. Until the House Committee on Federal Character takes the initiative of summoning all Federal Government Institutions and Universities, they should stop this dance of shame and excuse the Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos from this unfortunate court where they served as both judge and jury in the matter. We remain law abiding citizens and will continue to support government policies and frown at government policies that are obnoxious. We also wish to call on our Representative in the House Committee on Federal Character to come out clear so we do not assume he is part of the ploy to bring our own down amidst this selective focus. We also called on our Representatives in the Federal House of Representatives to look at this matter closely, for an injury to one is an injury to all.
Dr Fabong Jemchang Yildam MBBS, FMCFM, PGPN CHAIRMAN PLATEAU STATE YOUTH COUNCIL
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, AT THE END OF ONE-WEEK TOTAL LOCKDOWN OVER COVID-19 PANDEMIC, HELD ON 15TH APRIL 2020. PROTOCOLS
1. My dear Compatriots, it is with gratitude to God that I address you once again over the Corona Virus Pandemic, which remains a global emergency to date. 2. You will recall that I addressed you on the 6th of April where I directed a total lockdown of the State effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020. 3. We are a few hours from the dateline of the total lockdown and it is necessary that I again address you for the next steps in continuation of Government efforts in curbing the pandemic. 4. Let me first commend the entire citizens of Plateau State for their patriotism and loyalty in adhering to the total restriction of movement order. 5. Apart from official field reports by members of the Task Force and the individual reports from members of the public, I personally went round to see things for myself where, I confirmed the high level of obedience and compliance to Government directive. 6. On behalf of the Government, I register my profound appreciation to all citizens for putting public interest and the well-being of our State above their personal comfort and enjoyment. 7. I also want to thank the law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Department of State Services, the Army, Civil Defence, Immigration, Customs, NDLEA, and the Correctional Services and their personnel for their commitment towards this emergency. 8. Members of the Vigilante Services, Neighbourhood Watch Groups, Community Associations, Traditional and Religious Leaders, Political Leaders as well as Leaders of thought played key roles towards the success of this exercise. 9. Very critical too are Leadership and Members of the State House of Assembly and the Judiciary as well as Local Government Chairmen who have played different roles in dealing with this menace. 10. We also appreciate members of the media for their continuous support and collaboration in dealing with this pandemic. Without your support, no one will know our efforts and the public will remain in the dark. 11. As impressive as the compliance is, there were few cases of violations across the State, which were promptly arrested and prosecuted by the mobile courts established across the three Senatorial districts. 12. Over 837 violators were tried and those convicted were made to pay fines while others were subjected to community service. I wish to register my displeasure on the reported cases of assault on some enforcement officials carrying out legitimate duties. Such acts will not be tolerated and those found guilty will be punished. 13. My dear citizens, during this one-week of total lockdown, we were able to successfully decontaminate the entire State beginning with the flag off in Jos-Bukuru Metropolis on the 10th of April. 14. The period also enabled us to quarantine the entire State and effectively monitor suspected cases, as well as curtail movement within and into our State thereby reducing high possibility of importing the disease from outside the State. 15. Despite all the challenges, I can confidently say that we largely succeeded. As at today, we have investigated 99 cases and currently isolated 23 persons who are being observed because they came in from other States with confirmed cases of the disease. Of the 23 persons isolated, none has so far shown any symptoms. 16. We are grateful to God that as at this moment, there is no confirmed case in the State. This is the more reason why we must not rest on our oars nor take anything for granted in blocking any loophole that can make us vulnerable. 17. I am happy to announce that the Testing Centre for Plateau State earlier envisaged has finally come to fruition, as the Bio-Safety Level 3 Grade 1 Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, has been equipped and certified by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to begin outright test for COVID-19. 18. I was at the NVRI earlier today to inspect the laboratory and I must say that I am impressed with the standard of facilities and staff available. This centre, which has capacity to test over one thousand samples per day, will assist us test more people and serve other neihgbouring States. 19. In addition to the purchase of ventilators, our homegrown innovator Engr. Jerry Mallo, who was earlier mandated to fabricate ventilators, has come up with a product, which is being tested by health experts for possible deployment as the need arises. 20. My dear citizens, Government appreciates the sacrifices you have continued to make since the outbreak of this pandemic and the measures taken to address it. We are not blind to the hardship and inconveniences this emergency has caused. 21. Accordingly, Government having constituted a committee headed by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, has directed the immediate commencement of the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable and weak amongst us. 22. Let me clarify that these palliatives, which will in due course also be complemented by the Federal Government, are strictly for the needy. Already, about sixty one thousand, six hundred and sixteen (61,616) beneficiaries of the National Social Investment Programme under the N-Power, Poorest of the Poor and School Feeding Programme have been receiving their stipends based on President Buhari’s directive. 23. These are not people that should be looking forward to any other palliatives because they are already being taken care of. Similarly, workers who are receiving salaries as and when due should not expect to partake from the palliatives. Let us consider the truly vulnerable ones at this period. 24. From the one-week total, lockdown, we have learnt many lessons that will guide our next steps. One of the biggest lessons is the fact that we cannot quarantine hunger. Therefore, Government has taken the following decisions going forward. i. The total lockdown has been extended to 12 midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to meet the medically stipulated quarantine period of 14 days. ii. However, beginning from 11pm tonight, Wednesday 15th April 2020, to 12 midnight of Sunday 19th April 2020, the total lockdown will be relaxed to enable people go out to restock their homes. iii. By implication, the earlier restriction prior to the total lockdown remain. For the avoidance of doubt, all other markets remain closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas. In addition, all illegal street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited. The illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs remain banned. Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to remain closed, while restaurants are advised to prepare take away for their customers to avoid crowding. iv. Motor parks are to capture and keep data including contacts of all inbound and outbound passengers as well as adhere strictly to social distancing and mass gathering prohibition order as well as hygiene regulations. v. Vehicles (Keke Napep, Cars and Buses) are to abide by restriction on the number of passenger to carry, which have been spelled out as 1, 4 and 6 respectively. vi. Places of worship are to strictly adhere to the 50 persons provision, while maintaining social distancing and hygiene regulations. The ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals remains in force. vii. All entry and exit borders into the State will remain closed with greater reinforcement and CCTV surveillance to ensure total compliance. viii. Anybody who violates this border closure and comes into Plateau will be arrested, prosecuted and quarantined for 14 days until it is confirmed that he/she is free of the disease. ix. Farmers, particularly in the rural areas are exempted from the restrictions, as they are required to go to their farms now that the rains have started. However, they are to observe all guidelines for social distancing and hygiene. x. In addition to the exemption of essential workers earlier announced, producers of food such as bread, water and beverages are also exempted. xi. The mobile courts are to remain in place to try violators of Government directives. xii. To address cases of sharp practices, human rights violations and compromise by some security personnel, Government has set up a high-powered Independent Intelligence Monitoring Team, which will report directly to me. 25. Fellow citizens, these are difficult times for all of us and we must endure with resilience to come out strong. Our future is in our hands and how we abide by the advice of health experts and Government directives will determine our success. 26. Therefore, citizens must not see the actions of Government as punitive, but precautionary. Government is losing so much because of these restrictions while it is having to channel meagre resources to fighting this monster. Our best chance is prevention and we must all join hands together. 27. Let me again thank all stakeholders for supporting Government throughout this trying period. The Health personnel who have put their lives on the line also deserve special commendation. 28. We are also grateful to Management and staff of NESCO, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Plateau State Water Board and Telecoms operators for doing their best to make life easier for our people. 29. We are indebted to all Corporate Organisations, and well-spirited individuals, the Embassy of China and many others for their financial and material support. 30. Government shall continue to monitor development and evaluate its strategies, which will inform further directives. We therefore count on your support and cooperation. 31. Finally and on a sad note, our hearts go out to the Family of one of the staff of ASTC, Mr. Fwangan Charles Gugin who died in a road traffic accident in the cause of decontamination duty. May his soul rest in peace. 32. God bless Plateau State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 33. Thank you.
Rt. Hon. (Dr). Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG Executive Governor, Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum. 15th April 2020
As the number of the pandemic corona virus keeps escalating, NCDC update today 15th April, 2020 shows 373 confirmed cases, 99 discharged, 11 death. From the look of things, the number of new cases must reduce before the Government take off the lockdown
Here are some line up activities to keep you busy during the lockdown period.
Reading Reading is one habit most Nigerians don’t seem to give attention to. You can use this period to improve your reading abilities, it could be Novels, story books, motivational books, career books and so many others
Gaming Gaming is another way to keep yourself engaged during the lockdown, get some games eg PS, Xbox, computer games, mobile games, ludo, cards, Scrabble, chess, online games and so on.
Acquire extra skills This is a great opportunity to learn some additional skills like graphic design, video editing, blogging, make up, catering and e.t.c. You can get free tutorials from YouTube and other free websites, just google it or meet friends withing your vicinity to put you through.
Exercise You can engage in some exercise like yoga, gym, push ups, skipping e.t.c to keep your body fit and burn out calories.
Put your house in order This is a very good opportunity to clean up your house and put things in order, get rid of stuffs you don’t need any anymore, it might be old clothes, books and many others you can think of.
Here is a massive brand new classical collaboration tagged “Jojo Afican Baby” a niece piece of tune well packaged for your listening, by the incredible music maestro DemoBoy ft Jos A List blog 4wardwego. Jojo is an amazing tune for you and yours produced by the remarkable PRO Illmagic.
NORTHERN GOVERNORS MEET OVER COVID-19; PUSH FOR TESTING CENTRES AND COORDINATED RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC
The Northern States Governor’s Forum on Monday 13th April 2020 met to discuss issues relating to Covid-19 Pandemic and how it is affecting the region with a view to sharing experience and coming up with a coordinated response.
The meeting, which was conducted via teleconference and Chaired by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State, discussed various issues including experience sharing on measures adopted by individual States to deal with the disease.
After receiving reports from various States, the Forum resolved to strengthen preventive measures against the pandemic through enhanced border controls and surveillance as well as greater collaboration to ensure that there is synergy among them in movement restriction.
They noted that so far, the lockdown in some States in the region has had varying levels of success, but also raised concerns that enforcing cross-border movements remains a challenge as some of the cases recorded in some States were imported from outside despite the closure of borders by States.
They agreed that at the moment, each State would adopt the measure suitable to its setting because total lockdown of the region will come at a very high cost since most of its citizens are farmers who need to go to farms since the rains have started.
Another issue discussed by the Northern Governors was the issue of palliatives from the Federal Government where they regretted that so far, no State in the region has received a dime as special allocation despite the fact that some of them have recorded cases while others are making frantic efforts to prevent any outbreak as well as prepare against any eventuality.
This they observed has eaten deep into the pockets of the States as they have spent a lot of money already and may not be able to sustain this for a long time. Since “prevention is better than cure”, they canvassed that the Federal Government grants them some special funds just as it has done to other States.
They mandated their Chairman to liaise with the Federal Government through the Minister of Finance, Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 and the Private Sector donor basket in order to benefit from available palliatives and donations.
As for testing centres, the Governors lamented that the region has no testing centres, which is very disturbing. They resolved to again liaise with the Federal Government to ensure that each State at least gets one testing centre while highly populated ones get two.
The Governors also discussed the economic impact of Covid-19 on the region and decided that they needed to take a wholistic look at the economic prospects of the region with a view to repositioning it for less reliance on Federal Allocation and to prepare for the future by diversifying to areas of comparative advantage such as agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and human capital development.
They consequently set up a 7-man Committee chaired by Governor of Kebbi State Atiku Abubakar Bagudu to fashion out the way forward. Other members are Governors of Kaduna, Sokoto, Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Gombe and Nasarawa State.
The Northern Governors also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the measures taken so far to deal with the pandemic and promised to do their part in working with the Federal Government to overcome the disease.
They also commended the citizens of the region for supporting various directives of the State Governments in dealing with the situation, asking them to endure the situation, as it is a global emergency.
The meeting of the Governors was earlier preceded by the meeting of Secretaries to Governments of the 19 Northern State, which was presided over by the Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Prof. Danladi Abok Atu.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham, ANIPR Director, Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State & Chairman, Northern States Governors Forum. 13th April 2020.
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and some other states in the country by two weeks. The President made this announcement in a national broadcast this evening aired on NTA. He urged Nigerians to be very calm and endure the measures put in place in order to overcome COVID-19.
MONDAY, 13TH APRIL, 2020
1. Fellow Nigerians
2. In my address on Sunday, 29th March, 2020, I asked the residents of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory to stay at home for an initial period of fourteen days starting from Monday, 30th March 2020.
3. Many State Governments also introduced similar restrictions.
4. As your democratically elected leaders, we made this very difficult decision knowing fully well it will severely disrupt your livelihoods and bring undue hardship to you, your loved ones and your communities.
5. However, such sacrifices are needed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our country. They were necessary to save lives.
6. Our objective was, and still remains, to contain the spread of the Coronavirus and to provide space, time and resources for an aggressive and collective action.
7. The level of compliance to the COVID-19 guidelines issued has been generally good across the country. I wish to thank you all most sincerely for the great sacrifice you are making for each other at this critical time.
8. I will take this opportunity to recognise the massive support from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) during this pandemic.
9. I also acknowledge the support and contributions received from public spirited individuals, the business community and our international partners and friends.
10. I must also thank the media houses, celebrities and other public figures for the great work they are doing in sensitizing our citizens on hygienic practices, social distancing and issues associated with social gatherings.
11. As a result of the overwhelming support and cooperation received, we were able to achieve a lot during these 14 days of initial lockdown.
12. We implemented comprehensive public health measures that intensified our case identification, testing, isolation and contact tracing capabilities.
13. To date, we have identified 92% of all identified contacts while doubling the number of testing laboratories in the country and raising our testing capacity to 1,500 tests per day.
14. We also trained over 7,000 Healthcare workers on infection prevention and control while deploying NCDC teams to 19 states of the federation.
15. Lagos and Abuja today have the capacity to admit some 1,000 patients each across several treatment centres.
16. Many State Governments have also made provisions for isolation wards and treatment centres. We will also build similar centers near our airports and land borders.
17. Using our resources and those provided through donations, we will adequately equip and man these centres in the coming weeks. Already, health care workers across all the treatment centers have been provided with the personal protective equipment that they need to safely carry out the care they provide.
18. Our hope and prayers are that we do not have to use all these centres. But we will be ready for all eventualities.
19. At this point, I must recognise the incredible work being done by our healthcare workers and volunteers across the country especially in frontline areas of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
20. You are our heroes and as a nation, we will forever remain grateful for your sacrifice during this very difficult time. More measures to motivate our health care workers are being introduced which we will announce in the coming weeks.
21. As a nation, we are on the right track to win the fight against COVID-19.
22. However, I remain concerned about the increase in number of confirmed cases and deaths being reported across the world and in Nigeria specifically.
23. On 30th March 2020, when we started our lockdown in conforming with medical and scientific advice, the total number of confirmed cases across the world was over 780,000.
24. Yesterday, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases globally was over one million, eight hundred and fifty thousand. This figure is more than double in two weeks!
25. In the last fourteen days alone, over 70,000 people have died due to this disease.
26. In the same period, we have seen the health system of even the most developed nations being overwhelmed by this virus.
27. Here in Nigeria, we had 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in 12 States on 30th March 2020. We had two fatalities then.
28. This morning, Nigeria had 323 confirmed cases in twenty States. Unfortunately we now have ten fatalities. Lagos State remains the center and accounts for 54% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria. When combined with the FCT, the two locations represent over 71% of the confirmed cases in Nigeria.
29. Most of our efforts will continue to focus in these two locations.
30. Majority of the confirmed cases in Lagos and the FCT are individuals with recent international travel history or those that came into contact with returnees from international trips.
31. By closing our airports and land borders and putting strict conditions for seaport activities, we have reduced the impact of external factors on our country. However, the increase in the number of States with positive cases is alarming.
32. The National Centre for Disease Control has informed me that, a large proportion of new infections are now occurring in our communities, through person-to-person contacts. So we must pay attention to the danger of close contact between person to person.
33. At this point, I will remind all Nigerians to continue to take responsibility for the recommended measures to prevent transmission, including maintaining physical distancing, good personal hygiene and staying at home
34. In addition, I have signed the Quarantine Order in this regard and additional regulations to provide clarity in respect of the control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic which will be released soon.
35. The public health response to COVID-19 is built on our ability to detect, test and admit cases as well as trace all their contacts. While I note some appreciable progress, we can achieve a lot more.
36. Today, the cessation of movement, physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings remain the most efficient and effective way of reducing the transmission of the virus. By sustaining these measures, combined with extensive testing and contact tracing, we can take control and limit the spread of the disease.
37. Our approach to the virus remains in 2 steps – First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.
38. With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.
39. This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square. The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.
40. The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.
41. This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear.
42. The repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.
43. We must not lose the gains achieved thus far. We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission. We must endure a little longer.
44. I will therefore take this opportunity to urge you all to notify the relevant authorities if you or your loved ones develop any symptoms. I will also ask our health care professionals to redouble their efforts to identify all suspected cases, bring them into care and prevent transmission to others.
45. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained restriction of movement on its economy. I am fully aware of the great difficulties experienced especially by those who earn a daily wage such as traders, day-workers, artisans and manual workers.
46. For this group, their sustenance depends on their ability to go out. Their livelihoods depend on them mingling with others and about seeking work. But despite these realities we must not change the restrictions.
47. In the past two weeks, we announced palliative measures such as food distribution, cash transfers and loans repayment waivers to ease the pains of our restrictive policies during this difficult time. These palliatives will be sustained.
48. I have also directed that the current social register be expanded from 2.6 million households to 3.6 million households in the next two weeks. This means we will support an additional one million homes with our social investment programs. A technical committee is working on this and will submit a report to me by the end of this week.
49. The Security Agencies have risen to the challenges posed by this unprecedented situation with gallantry and I commend them. I urge them to continue to maintain utmost vigilance, firmness as well as restraint in enforcing the restriction orders while not neglecting statutory security responsibilities.
50. Fellow Nigerians, follow the instructions on social distancing. The irresponsibility of the few can lead to the death of the many. Your freedom ends where other people’s rights begin.
51. The response of our State Governors has been particularly impressive, especially in aligning their policies and actions to those of the Federal Government.
52. In the coming weeks, I want to assure you that the Federal Government, through the Presidential Task Force, will do whatever it takes to support you in this very difficult period. I have no doubt that, by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic.
53. I must also thank the Legislative arm of Government for all its support and donations in this very difficult period. This collaboration is critical to the short and long-term success of all the measures that we have instituted in response to the pandemic.
54. As a result of this pandemic, the world as we know it has changed. The way we interact with each other, conduct our businesses and trade, travel, educate our children and earn our livelihoods will be different.
55. To ensure our economy adapts to this new reality, I am directing the Ministers of Industry, Trade and Investment, Communication and Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Transportation, Aviation, Interior, Health, Works and Housing, Labour and Employment and Education to jointly develop a comprehensive policy for a “Nigerian economy functioning with COVID-19”.
56. The Ministers will be supported by the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and Economic Sustainability Committee in executing this mandate.
57. I am also directing the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, the National Security Adviser, the Vice Chairman, National Food Security Council and the Chairman, Presidential Fertiliser Initiative to work with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to ensure the impact of this pandemic on our 2020 farming season is minimized.
58. Finally, I want to thank the members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 for all their hard work so far. Indeed, the patriotism shown in your work is exemplary and highly commendable.
59. Fellow Nigerians, I have no doubt that by working together and carefully following the rules, we shall get over this pandemic and emerge stronger in the end.
60. I thank you all for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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