Lai Mohammed,
minister of information and culture, says the strategy of the federal
government in containing coronavirus is working.
But the minister
said the government is not getting the kind of cooperation it deserves from
Nigerians in the fight against the disease.
Speaking at a press
conference in Abuja on Thursday, Mohammed said many Nigerians are busy making
“meaningless criticisms” instead of complying with the stipulated directives to
keep themselves safe.
He said some
citizens who flew into the country gave fake telephone numbers and addresses —
making it difficult for them to be traced.
“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,” he
said.
“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.
“The government is
doing its best but we need the citizens to do their best too. We have now gone
past the stage of persuasion. It’s time for strong enforcement.
“I want to say
straight away that our strategy at containing this pandemic is working, but we
still have a long way to go,” he said.
“We know our
priorities and we know our challenges. We have taken very bold measures in
stopping international flights into the country, and we hail the state
governments that have take equally bold measures in their states, which include
the closure of markets and the prohibition of large congregations.”
Mohammed said the
government is considering tougher measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“Possible measures
include; Stopping inter-state/inter-town travel, except for essential
services,” he said.
“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.”
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com