PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI EXTENDS LOCK-DOWN BY ANOTHER TWO WEEKS

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the extension of the first phase of the lock-down by another two weeks across the nation from May 18 to June 1.

Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, made the disclosure yesterday at the daily briefing of the team in Abuja.

According to him, President Buhari took the decision based on the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force (PTF). The PTF identified that some objectives were met with the gradual ease of lock-down, the PTF assessment showed that non-compliance was rampant.

Mustapha said:

The reality is that in spite of the modest progress made, Nigeria is not yet ready for full opening of the economy and tough decisions have to be taken for the good of the greater majority. any relaxation will only portend grave danger for our populace. the two weeks extension of phase one of the eased restriction is also to enable other segments of the economy prepare adequately for compliance with the guidelines, preparation to reopening in the coming weeks. for the PTF, we share your pains, but our future is in the hands of every Nigerian and future decisions will depends greatly on our compliance. Based on the approval of the recommendations made to the President by the PTF, the body agreed that measures, exemptions, advisories and scope of entities allowed to reopen under phase one of the eased locked down shall be maintained across the Federation for another two weeks; intensifying efforts to tell ,trace and treat cases elevating the level of community ownership of non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Let me state categorically that the exemptions allowed under the phase one are still in place. particularly, Government remains conscious of the fact that we are in the rainy season and farming activities are critical to food and national security. it should, therefore, not be hindered. i therefore urge States and security agencies to support,encourage and allow our farmers to carry out their activities.

While calling on Nigerians to stay home and stay safe, the SGF urged Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and take responsibility just as he stressed that humanity was in great peril which puts everyone in danger.