COVID-19 lockdown will last as long as necessary – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has affirmed that the lockdown order will last as long as his ‘scientific advisers’ declare they are necessary.

In a statement released by Presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, Buhari acknowledged the efforts of Nigerians as well as the sacrifices made during the stay at home period, stating that the lockdown is a major attempt to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the country. 

He said; 

“We realize that today, there will be sons and daughters unable to visit their parents, and elders that are isolated from young ones. And there will be those who live day-to-day, eating as they earn, who face real and present suffering. 

“No elected government could ask more of the citizens of the country that elected them than today we ask of you. But we must ask you – once more – to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives.

The President also disclosed that he has ordered the release of 70,000 tonnes of grain from the National Strategic Grain Reserves for distribution and also disbursement of cash to poor families.

He urged Nigerians to listen and follow public announcements via the mass media for instructions as to how to receive this government support – and learn of more public assistance in the coming days.

The statement further says” This is a global pandemic with 210 countries and territories across the globe affected. We cannot expect others to come to our assistance. No one is coming to defeat this virus for us.

“Instead, the defeat of the virus in our country will be in our hands, alone. We cannot wait for others. We can only depend on ourselves now.  And so we must  – and we will – end this outbreak ourselves as Nigerians, together”.