Barely 24 hours after it served an advisory on 17 governors to self-isolate themselves, the Coalition of United Progressive Parties (CUPP) which has kept abreast of the emerging developments in the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria has issued another advisory.
This time, the opposition coalition is calling on governors to activate a temporary lockdown of their states without further delay.
A statement signed by the Coalition’s
spokesman, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere read in part: “After a detailed review
of the growing
threat of the fast spreading and deadly Coronavirus, the CUPP
has resolved and wish to advise
all state governors elected on the Opposition Coalition platform and also plead with governors on ruling party
platforms APC to adopt a 14-day
temporary shut down, movement restriction and seat-at-home measures like the one announced by the
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as
a proactive measure to help halt the spread of the virus before it degenerates
into a national calamity”.
The release further urges governors to immediately shut
down their land and sea borders to stop inter state
movement; close down their airspace working with the Federal
Government
especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
and stop all public gatherings including burials and weddings.
It also advised the governors to close down motor parks, cinemas and impose a 14-day stay at home
during which those already with the virus will manifest and be isolated
and treated thereby cutting down the spread of virus.
“We also appeal to citizens for understanding and to
those that may be affected by the measures and the Federal Government
to work with the states to enforce these painful
but effective measures as a last
effort to deal a fatal blow to this virus”, the CUPP stressed.
