- FG suspends operations of Executive Jet Services for flouting COVID-19 protocols in bringing Naira Marley to Abuja concert
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has expressed disgust on the poor level of compliance of Nigerians with safety measures prescribed by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the basis of which the lockdown of Nigeria was partially lifted.
The Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha told journalists in Abuja that the PTF monitoring and surveillance of compliance across the nation shows “an escalation of the level of non-compliance with simple measure to keep social distancing, wearing of masks in public places, sanitation and hygiene.
This according to him, was more prevalent in markets, motor parks and some places of worship.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has suspended the operations of a private jet charter and aircraft maintenance firm, Executive Jet Services, for flouting COVID-19 regulations by flying Musician, Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley, to Abuja to attend a concert.
Mr Hadi Sirika the Minister of Aviation, spoke during the Presidential Task Force briefing in Abuja. The venue of the concert, Jabi Mall has also been sealed by the Government.
Mustapha also stated that the breach of the ban on inter-State travels is a “point of concern”, warning that “all relaxed measures are still subject to review and advisories issued are for personal and public safety purposes.”
He warned that the federal government might review the lockdown protocols if Nigerians continue to breach the rules and regulations aimed at stopping the spread of the virus.
Mustapha specifically warned State governments who are contemplating reopening of schools, television viewing centres, sports stadium and other places where large gatherings could take place to shelve the idea as “it is not yet safe to do so and that utmost caution should be exercised.”
He therefore admonished State governments to ensure strict compliance with PTF guidelines for mode of operations at places of worship.
Speaking to Nigerians, he said, “You are responsible for protecting yourself, your family, the Community and the Country. Gatherings are still NOT ok. Be responsible. Lifted Restrictions does not mean carelessness and that life is back to “normal.”
The SGF urged “State governments to embark on wider community-testing, enforce rules on social distancing, step up community engagement and risk communication and pay attention to places of large gatherings. We also appeal to the security agencies to enforce the ban on inter-State travels very strictly.
“We have received reports that some states are contemplating the reopening of schools, television viewing centres, sports stadium and other places where large gatherings could take place. The PTF re-emphasises that it is not yet safe to do so and that utmost caution should be exercised. The PTF guideline should still be complied with while considering decision of this nature.”
Mustapha said that the daily rise in confirmed COVID-19 cases is “an indication that we are conducting more tests across the country and that we are fully in the community spread phase. We however urge Nigerians not to panic but to cooperate with public health officials especially where community testing is on-going.
“We also continuously pleaded with Nigerians to take responsibility. The reality today is that the table has turned and the community spread phase has suddenly made the health workers our LAST LINE OF DEFENCE. The full import of this situation is underscored by the following quotes from Dr. B. Calinawagan:
“The War has shifted to the community and it is up to you. This cannot be won in the confines of the hospital…’’
‘We the healthcare workers are not your front liners any longer. We are your LAST LINE OF DEFENCE. You, my fellow people, are the front liners now”, Mustapha admonished.