Buhari To End Lagos, Abuja Lockdown As Requested By Governors

The inter-state lockdown decision taken by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) is a “done deal”.
A Chief Press Secretary to a state governor confirmed this to Daily Post on Sunday.

He explained that the chief executives made their position known to enable the federal government to put in place necessary arrangements for compliance.

“The governors’ resolution is to curtail the spread of Coronavirus. The federal government has the power to shut inter-state borders, hence the request to Mr. President,” he said.

“The two weeks’ lockdown will be announced by Mr. President. It’s a done deal. However, he will list exemptions and give Nigerians other important information.”

The NGF had asked President Muhammadu Buhari, to stop inter-state movements but end the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, while converting same to curfew.

Their position was contained in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation/Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha.

Signed by the NGF chairman and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, the forum wants free but restricted movement within states.

They requested inter-state lockdown, free movement of essential supplies such as food, beverages, medical and pharmaceutical, petroleum supplies and agricultural products.

Others are internal free movement but restrictions on large gatherings and assemblies, overnight curfews, flights ban and compulsory use of face masks/coverings in public.