There were indications on Friday, that President Muhammadu Buhari and all the State Governors reached a 5-point agreement on containing the coronavirus disease, while easing the lockdown nationwide.
It was learnt that the deal addressed the apprehension of some Governors on the observance of Sallah prayers, and reopening of worship centres.
A major thrust of the agreement, is that gatherings in Mosques or Churches, and the observance of Eid-el-Fitr prayers, will not exceed 50 people at a time.
Muslims are also not expected to go to any praying ground, but they can use a neighbourhood Mosque, with only 50 worshippers.
It was gathered that the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also had talks with the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, on the understanding reached with the President.
The NGF Chairman was also said to have had discussions with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha.
Speaking, Governor Fayemi stated that the Governors held a National Economic Council, NEC, meeting on Thursday, and that their position on public gatherings have not changed, adding that, no Governor would go against the agenda.
According to findings, the Governors proposed a 5-point agenda concerning the management of the eased lockdown, which the President endorsed.
The agreement is applicable to all Nigerians, including Muslims and Christians.
Findings revealed that at the NEC session on Thursday, the Governors were advised to stick to the agreement reached with the President,
A North-West Governor said: “We do not know where all the noise is coming from, as if Governors are heady and out to frustrate the management of Covid-19.
“In easing the lockdown, we presented a 5-point agenda to the President, namely restriction on inter-State movements, internal relaxation of stay-at-home order within a time frame, compulsory wearing of masks, and public gathering, be it social, political, or religious, not exceeding 50.
“The 5th clause in the agreement is that we must increase testing, so that we can be more accurate.”
Another Governor said: “The NGF Chairman has had robust discussions with the President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, on the pact with the President.
“We therefore, got the buy-in of NSCIA and CAN, on how we want to go about the easing of the lockdown.
“We were briefed at our meeting on how the NGF Leadership consulted the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 and other Stakeholders, on our agenda to ease the lockdown, especially as it concerns worship centres.
“We have got to a stage where we need to lay the cards on the table, to show that Governors have been mutually consultative.
“What is causing the apprehension nationwide, is the fear that Governors may not be able to manage the situation, if they unlock worship centres, or during Eid-el Fitr celebration.
“So far, we have spoken to ourselves and reached a consensus that we will abide by the agreement.
“We even consented to a clause, that nobody should come to the Eid praying ground, Central Mosque. Instead, Muslims are expected to use neighbourhood Mosques, if they cannot stay at home.”
On the alleged recalcitrant posture of some Governors, the source added: “I think some of them are being pushed by either some Ulamas, or some Politicians, for electoral purposes.
“We are however, hopeful that no one will violate the 5-point agenda.”
The Chairman of the NGF added: “Our position on the 5-point agenda we gave to the President, has not changed.
“I think no Governor will go against the agenda.”