Sanwo-Olu backs Buhari on lockdown, says it’s tough, but a vital step to check COVID-19 spread

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday threw his weight behind the restriction of movement in some states of the federation by President Muhammadu Buhari and described the decision as a “tough but necessary step” to effectively curtail the spread of the COVID-19 scourge in the country.

The governor, in a statement, also hailed residents of the state for their endurance since measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic were announced by the government.

He, however, assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with Federal Government and other agencies and organisations would stop at nothing to curb the spread of the disease in the state and the country at large.

President Buhari had on Sunday announced a total restriction of movement in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun with effect from 11:00 p.m. Monday.

A few hours after the President’s nationwide broadcast on the coronavirus pandemic, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced 14 fresh cases of the disease in Lagos and Abuja, bringing the number of people that had been infected in the country to 111.

Sanwo-Olu said: “We must co-operate with the authorities as long as this restriction lasts.

“I would also like to address the fears of those who have expressed some security concerns about your places of work and shops during this restriction. I have directed the police and other security agents to ensure that there are no security breaches. They will ensure that criminals do not take advantage of this important measure.”

He charged the private sector, market leaders and traders to move out inflammable materials such as petrol, kerosene, and others from their offices and shops before the restriction begins at 11:00 p.m. Monday, as well as switch off all electrical and electronic appliances to stave off fire incidents during the 14-day restriction.