FG Vows Drastic Measures To Check COVID-19 – Lai

By GWG Staff

Warning that the coronavirus pandemic could rise exponentially in Nigeria, the Federal Government on Thursday vowed to take drastic measures to check the activities of those it claimed were a danger to the country.

The minister of information Alhaji Lai Mohammed at a press conference also warned about what he called the epidemic of fake news as he dismissed claims that President Muhammadu Buhari had tested positive for the virus.

While observing that country had largely had a success in curtailing the pandemic, Mohammed however said that danger still lurked as he vowed the government’s decision to take drastic actions to ensure that it does not spread.

He said:

“We are considering tougher measures to enforce compliance, stop the exportation of the disease to states that do not have it and minimize spread. Possible measures include:

– Stopping inter-state/inter-town travels, except for essential services

– Closing all motor parks and inter-state rail stations. Already, all train movements nationwide have been stopped.

– Using fire fighting and other adaptable vehicles and personnel to fumigate cities and towns.

“We will be considering and announcing new measures from time to time, but rest assured that whatever decisions we take will be in the best interest of Nigerians.”

“Let me say, without mincing words, that we are not getting the kind of cooperation that this moment deserves from Nigerians. Many are busy engaging in meaningless criticisms instead of complying with the stipulated directives to keep people safe.

“Some Nigerians who flew into the country from overseas filled wrong addresses and phone

numbers in their forms, making it difficult to trace them when the need arises. Some Nigerians defied orders to stay away from large gatherings while some religious leaders willfully flouted the directives to ensure social distancing.

Warning of the government’s determination to check fake news, he said:

“This brings me to the rising instances of fake news associated with coronavirus. The epidemic of fake news is now competing with the pandemic of coronavirus, and this is not helping the fight against the disease.

“Instances of such fake news include

– That there are only two ventilators in Abuja, out of which one has been commandeered for a top government official

– That a British Airways Flight was due to land in Nigeria on Wednesday despite the closure of all international airports.

– That President Muhammadu Buhari has been coughing and is now on a ventilator. Fake. Fake. Fake. It’s all fake news.”

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