Emerging report indicates that President Muhammadu Buhari will today, Friday, meet with the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, over the lockdown imposed on the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Lagos and Ogun States, as a way to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus in the country.
It was gathered that the Task Force would brief the President on the strides made to fight against Covid-19 so far, and the possibility of extending the two-week lockdown in the FCT, Ogun and Lagos States, as well as including other parts of the country, those with new cases of the coronavirus after the lockdown order was declared by the Federal Government, and those with none, as a further way to stopping the spread of the virus more strictly.
Two top government Officials confirmed on Thursday, that the Task Force would brief the President on Friday, on what is the best next step to take, based on their findings so far.
Speaking at a meeting with the National Assembly Leaders on Thursday, the Task Force said that it had gathered data to enforce lockdown of parts or all of the States in the country.
One of the Officials, who confirmed the President’s meeting with the Task Force, revealed that reports and recommendations were still being awaited from some State Governors, as at Thursday evening.
His words: “The President was supposed to be briefed this evening (Thursday evening), but we had to delay, because we are waiting for reports and recommendations from some affected States. All things being equal, the President will be briefed on Friday, and will take necessary action.”
When asked if the President would extend the lockdown, the source said: “During the announcement some 10 days ago, the President made it clear that the lockdown would be for an initial period of 14 days.
“What this means, is that there is a likelihood of extension, but it will be done only after due consultation with the States.”