The Federal Government has said the gradual easing of restrictions on activities and movements should not be mistaken to mean life has returned to normal in the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, Mr Boss Mustapha, gave the warning on Thursday during the daily press briefing by the task force in Abuja.
Mustapha, however, charged all Nigerians to locate their responsibilities in the ongoing campaign against COVID-19 and be responsible, adding that security agents would be stricter in enforcing compliance of guidelines and regulations this time around.
He also informed that the PTF would soon publish a copy of the guidelines in the media so that all Nigerians, state governments, trade unions and other segments of society would be acquainted with their various roles in the fight.
While commending Lagos State for taking the lead in the current direction by already domesticating details of the guidelines for the people of the state, he charged all other state governors to borrow a leaf from the Lagos experience.
“As we approach the commencement of the first of a three-phased easing of lockdown from Monday, May 4th ,2020, it is important that Nigerians receive and digest the implementation guidelines.
“It is also important for States, Law enforcement Agents, trade associations, employers, businesses and citizens to understand their roles, obligations and responsibilities.
“Above all, we must understand that this is still a war against an unseen and potent enemy. No one should mistake the easing of restrictions for permission to act without care. The Security Agents have been instructed to respect the rights of citizens while also ensuring strict enforcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, as you know, our National Response is driven by strong collaboration with the sub-national levels of government. In this, I am glad to mention that Lagos State has already adapted these implementation guidelines, while other states are also expected to follow suit shortly”, Mustapha said.
Meanwhile, Mustapha also announced that the National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr Sani Aliyu, who was absent at the briefing, had lost his father to death.
“At this point, I wish to announce with sadness that the National Coordinator, Dr. Sani Aliyu lost his father yesterday. We commiserate with him and we pray that the Almighty shall forgive him his sins and grant the deceased eternal rest. We also pray for God to strengthen Dr. Aliyu and members of his family at this difficult time”, he said.