Anxiety has enveloped the Aso Rock Villa which hosted the National Economic Council (NEC) attended by Governor Mohammed Bala of Bauchi State, among other governors last Thursday.
Governor Bala is currently in self-isolation after coming in contact with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s son, Mohammed, who has tested positive for Coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Other Governors and Aso Rock Villa staff who may have come in contact with Governor Bala during the meeting chaired by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, may now be anxious while hoping the governor’s test results come back negative for the disease.
Osinbajo had called off the commissioning of National Traffic Radio, which he was scheduled to perform on Monday, ostensibly as a result of the outbreak of the disease and the need to avoid crowded places.
Meanwhile, following recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, President Muhammadu Buhari has cancelled this week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) scheduled for Wednesday.
Also postponed till further notice is the National Council of State meeting slated for the Presidential Villa on Thursday.
In addition, all land borders hitherto partially closed, shall now be fully shut down till further notice.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who chairs the presidential task force on Monday said that: “Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures:
“i. Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice;
ii. Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;
iii. All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020;
”iv. In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately;
”v. If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;
vi.Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic; and
”vii. All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given.
“Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response. However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19.”
