COVID-19: FG mandates suspension of almajiri deportation across states

The Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, has faulted the repatriation of Almajiris by the Northern States Governors’ Forum.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most Northern states have been repatriating Almajiris to their home state.

However, during the taskforce’s daily briefing on Monday, May 4; Mustapha said it was at variance with the guidelines issued by the federal government on the nationwide ban on interstate movements.

“There has been very noticeable relocation of Almajiris from one state to another, up until yesterday. With the ban on interstate movements, the continuation of this exercise will not be in alignment with the guidelines issued.

“The PTF shall engage with the respective state governments on how to achieve their objectives,” Mustapha said.

He noted that the objective of the nationwide ban on interstate movements was to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus across state boundaries; adding that the enforcement of the policy must align with the president’s directive.

The SGF said violators of the measures would be prosecuted, adding: “It is still desirable to stay at home; if there is no compelling reason to go out and to comply with the measures always, whether at home or not.”

Mustapha also condemned reports about medical facilities and doctors turning back sick patients for fear of their illnesses being COVID-19-related.

He appealed to medical facilities, especially public hospitals; not to neglect the treatment of other ailments because such actions could result in avoidable deaths.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has disclosed that about 4,000 Nigerians abroad are willing to return as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, the Minister of Foreign Affairs disclosed this on Monday, May 4, 2020. He was speaking at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 daily press briefing on Monday in Abuja.

He said if the Federal Government had its way and there were enough bed spaces at the isolation centres; all Nigerians abroad willing to come home would be brought back.

The minister stated that the government was in the process of repatriating Nigerians abroad who were willing to return. Further, he disclosed that Emirates Airlines had indicated interest to bring them back to Nigeria.

He added that the airline would operate on May 6, to bring Nigerians abroad back to the country. Equally important, the returnees would be the first batch to be brought from abroad.

“We have secured 300 beds in Lagos and 1,000 in Abuja. The Governor of Lagos has been outstanding in his support. He has done a great job and his leadership quality is exemplary,” Onyeama said