TheCable

Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation, has called on governors across the country to exercise caution in relaxing the lockdown in their respective states.

Bauchi, Kano, Adamawa, Cross River, Borno, among other states have relaxed the lockdown measures by lifting the ban on religious gatherings.

This is despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the states and the country at large.

Speaking at the presidential task force briefing on Thursday, Mustapha said such actions may bear serious consequences as the infection might spread further.

He urged the governors to reconsider their decisions in order to contain the spread of the virus.

“It is also of national importance to inform our subnational entities of the need to diligently implement the guidelines and to exercise caution in relaxing the restrictions in a manner that is capable of setting back the gains that has been already made,” he said.

“It is imperative for each of us to take personal and collective responsibility. A strong advisory from the PTF is that large gatherings beyond 20 persons remains restricted and should be adhered to.

“I am particular about congregational gatherings. Large gatherings will expose even the 20% that we have been trying to protect. So I will urge our subnationals to really reconsider their decisions in allowing for large gatherings to take place until when we are fully prepared.”

Mustapha expressed concern over the rising number of COVID-19 cases globally.

He said the virus would disrupt the lives of Nigerians and other persons across the world for a long time.

“According to Dr. Tedros,the WHO director general, 106,000 cases were recorded globally in 24 hours, representing the highest single day number since the outbreak of the pandemic,” he said.

“If after the several months of expenditure across the world that would have ran into trillions of dollars, we recorded such number globally yesterday, that is truly an evidence of the fact that COVID-19 has come to rubbish our wealth and health. I don’t know for how long but I can assure you that our ways of life will remain disrupted for a very long time.”