4 Things President Buhari is Likely to Announce as He Adresses the Country Today [Opinion]

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari will today address the nation on the progress the country have made on the fight against COVID’19. This will be the first time the President will be addressing Nigerians after his last broadcast on the April 27, 2020.

At the last address, Buhari on the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID’19 relaxed the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja and kept Kano on total lockdown.

Looking closely at the progress the nation has made on COVID’19 and statistics from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on the virus. Here are four things the President is likely to announce:

1. Re-activation of Lockdown in Lagos: As at the end of May 3rd, 2020, the NCDC announced a total number of 2558 confirmed cases with Lagos having 1107 cases. Sadly, just two weeks down the line, there has been 100% increase in the confirmed cases both nationwide and in Lagos. The latest statistics from the NCDC puts total confirmed cases at 5959 and the in Lagos at 2550.

This indicates that the relaxation of the lockdown in Lagos was premature and as experts have opined, maybe Lagos wasn’t ready for the relaxation. Therefore, it is logical to assume the President will order another lockdown in Lagos.

2. Order Distribution of Fresh Palliatives: The Government itself at thee last broadcast acknowledged one of the reasons they relaxed the lockdown was because Government palliatives could not go round and Nigerians need to go about their daily business to be able to feed. Obviously, this has done more harm than good as the economy has suffered irreparable damage and will take more than just weeks for things to return to normal.

Yet, the virus continues to spread and the death cases have increased from 87 to 182. Therefore, it is necessary that the Government arranges new set of palliatives to get people to continue to stay home.

3. Increase Security at Interstate Borders: Last week , the Presidential Task Force opined that one of the problems they are facing is being sabotaged by security men at the border.

It is not surprising that despite the interstate border closure, people still travel everyday from one state to the order because security officers are taking bribes from travellers. It is important that the President gives an order to sanction security personnel who are caught doing this.

4. Enforce the Use of Face Masks: One of the COVID’19 guidelines that have been continually violated in most states is the use of face masks.

Despite the glaring dangers and risks people face for not using the masks, people have went about their business without using masks. It is important that President emphasizes on this issue and announce a penalty for people found violating the rule.

These are likely things President Muhammadu Buhari is likely to concentrate on as he addresses the nation today.

If you have contrary opinion or other things you think Nigerians should expect, kindly drop in the comment section.

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