Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has lamented the increasing rate of COVID-19 cases among people in government.
The PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who stated this at the task force press briefing in Abuja said it is directly impacting on governance and security in the country.
He stressed that the possibility of ordering a fresh total lockdown to curtail further spread of the virus could not be ruled out.
The SGF advised prominent Nigerians to take COVID-19 protocols seriously, saying the virus does not respect status.
Mustapha’s warning comes amid rising cases of COVID-19 among state governors and other prominent Nigerians.
Some state governors that has recently contracted the virus include David Umahi of Ebonyi, Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta.
Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia state recently recovered from the virus.
Passing a warning message to people in authority, Mustapha said;
Of recent, we have witnessed a high rate of positive cases especially among people in authority. This has a direct impact on governance and security of our nation. We urge that vigilance and care should be exhibited by all Nigerians, irrespective of status. This virus does not discriminate and the PTF shall keep sustaining its sensitisation messaging.
When asked if the task force would be considering a fresh lockdown in the face of what it observed as disregard for guidelines, Mustapha said events of coming weeks would determine the next line of action.
He said;
We will not speculate on what will happen in future but we will protect the lives of Nigerians. To achieve that, if it means to lock down again, we will not shy away from that responsibility. We will recommend to the President who will look at the report and take a decision on our recommendation. What happens in the next two three weeks will determine what we will do.
The SGF also said members of the task force met with heads of security agencies earlier on Monday.
He said the meeting centred on how to enforce compliance with guidelines among other issues.
