Wear Face Mask Or Risk Another Lockdown — Presidency warns

The presidency has enjoined Nigerians to wear facemasks and comply with other COVID-19 protocols to avoid another lockdown.

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In a statement signed by Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, the presidency said it is worried by reports of non-compliance with the recently signed executive order that mandates the use of face masks and social distancing.

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The president, on January 27, had signed the COVID-19 health protection regulations 2021 which prescribes six-month jail term for persons convicted for disobeying any COVID-19 guideline.

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According to the statement, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the executive order with the best of intentions and not with the motive of punishing citizens.

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“The Presidency is worried by reports of non-compliance with just signed executive order that makes mask-wearing and observation of social distancing in the public mandatory, appealing to Nigerians to give their maximum cooperation for the success of the policy,” the statement read.

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“President Muhammadu Buhari introduced the order with the best of intentions and not with any motive to punish citizens.

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“The Presidency appeals to state governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders to play active roles in the sensitization and enforcement of the executive order.”

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Shehu said the Buhari-led administration is reluctant to impose another lockdown given the socio-economic consequences.