Buhari meets with COVID-19 Task Force, pleads for patience, understandings from Nigerians

President Muhammadu Buhari has solicited for more patience and understanding with Nigerians as his administration intensifies efforts towards flattening the curve of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.

During a meeting with the Presidential Task Force on COVID -19 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Buhari expressed optimism that the curve will be flattened as the nation aggressively and appropriately responds to the uncommon enemy of mankind.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Mr Boss Mustapha, acquainted the President with details of the work being done in line with its mandate towards containing the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

President Buhari who expressed satisfaction with the transparent way and manner the Task Force engages critical stakeholders in carrying out assigned responsibilities, said he believes that Nigeria will come out of the situation stronger and as quickly as possible.

At the meeting, the Task Force reportedly provided the President with the basic facts on ground as well as options that will guide him in deciding whether or not the restrictions of all movements in parts of the country is to be extended or not. 

In a related development, there are strong indications that more economic stimulus measures are to be introduced by the Federal Government towards cushioning the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation’s poor and the vulnerable.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo dropped this hint after an audience with President Buhari.

Osinbajo is the chairman of the high-powered economic sustainability committee constituted by Buhari as part of the National response strategy towards alleviating the suffering of Nigerians as the country battles the COVID -19 pandemic.

Osinbajo said he and the President compared notes on what more can be done for the poor in the face of the stringent measures put in place by government to check the spread of Coronavirus in the country.

He said that discussions centred on how to resolve some of the very pressing issues around COVID -19 and indeed the economy.

He said that the full report of the Economic Sustainability committee containing thoughts and ideas of members on the best way forward for Nigeria will soon be submitted to the President.