Lockdown: Sanwo-Olu orders immediate closure of govt offices, establishments

IBRAHIM QUADRI

Following the national broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the immediate closure of all government offices and establiments in the State.

The directive was contained in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

In the statement dated 13th April, 2020 and titled, Re: COVID-19, Extension of Closure of all Offices in Lagos State, the Governor maintained that the State would comply with the President’s directive to stem the spread of coronavirus.

President Buhari had stated during the broadcast, “Our approach to the virus remains in 2 steps – First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners.

 “With this in mind and having carefully considered the briefings and Report from the Presidential Task Force and the various options offered, it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the FCT for another 14 days effective from 11:59 pm on Monday, 13th of April, 2020. I am therefore once again asking you all to work with Government in this fight.

“This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death. Mosques in Makkah and Madina have been closed. The Pope celebrated Mass on an empty St. Peter’s Square. The famous Notre Dame cathedral in Paris held Easter Mass with less than 10 people. India, Italy and France are in complete lockdown. Other countries are in the process of following suit. We cannot be lax.”

In line with this, the circular in Lagos noted, “It is hereby notified for general information that Mr Governor has directed that all offices in the Secretariat, Alausa as well as other Government Establishments State-wide remain closed for another 14-day period with effect from 11p.m. on Monday ,13th April, 2020; in line with the President’ s directive.

“Expectedly, all hospitals and other front line responders in the management and control of the Pandemic remain excluded from the lockdown, as well as all essential services.

“Furthermore, the dedication of all state officials, medical/health workers, Logistic or Relief Support workers, as well as online Education Providers in the front line battle against the Pandemic is hereby recognised and appreciated. For those not directly involved, keep on spreading the message, stay safe and practise personal hygiene. It is believed that our collective efforts will yield the desired result, as this too shall pass.”

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