President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the current restriction of movement in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by another 14 days to curb the spread of Coronavirus disease in the country.
The President, who confirmed this in a nationwide broadcast in Abuja on Monday, April 13, 2020, however said that ”the previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain”.
He said the extension was informed by the advice given to him by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
”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, April 13, 2020.
“I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.
”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.
”The previously issued guidelines on exempted services shall remain.
”This is a difficult decision to take, but I am convinced that this is the right decision. The evidence is clear,” he said
According to him, the repercussions of any premature end to the lockdown action are unimaginable.
”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,” he added.
By Ismaila Chafe