NGF Warns Security Agents To Stop Violation Of Interstate Lockdown

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has warned security agents across the country to stop violating the interstate travel lockdown imposed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
There have been reports of poor enforcement of the interstate lockdown as security personnel have been accused of collecting bribes from transporters, allowing them to proceed on what is supposed to be prohibited journeys to different parts of the country.
Speaking in an interview, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, the NGF Head of Media and Public Affairs, said the security agencies must live up to their responsibilities by enforcing the ban on interstate movement.
The NGF spokesperson said the governors had unanimously agreed and recommended to the president implement the ban on interstate travel and, therefore, wondered why it is not properly enforced by the federal-controlled security agencies.
A communiqué signed by Governor Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the NGF, after the sixth teleconference meeting of the forum in April indicated that the state governors agreed to implement the interstate lockdown.
“The guidelines for the lockdown made exemptions for the movement of agricultural products, foodstuff and pharmaceuticals. It did not include the movement of human cargo.
“Security agencies have the responsibility for enforcement of these guidelines and it is expected that they enforce these rules. Where they find people taking undue advantage of this provision, they are empowered by law to take actions in line with approved rules of engagement,” Bello-Barkindo told the Punch.
Similarly, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 also lamented about the violation of the interstate lockdown, warning that non-essential travel could facilitate the further spread of the disease across the country.
Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the PTF on COVID-19, who spoke at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, appealed to transportation unions to educate their members on the ban imposed on interstate travels.
He said: “In view of the fact that public transportation is a major clustering area through which the virus can easily be transmitted, we call on the leadership of various transport unions to properly enlighten their members on the danger associated with non-adherence to the COVID-19 containment guidelines.
“Once again, we appeal to the governors to please align their plan for the movement of almajiris with the ban imposed by the President. We shall intensify our dialogue on this matter.”