Politics
THE Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has urged the Independent National Electoral l Commission, INEC, to observe coronavirus protocols in conducting the upcoming elections in the country. Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation and chairman, PTF, said the PTF was currently concluding discussions with the INEC on the appropriate guidelines to be adopted for the elections beginning with August 8 bye-election in Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the Presidential Task Force briefing on COVID-19 on Monday, August 3, Mustapha said INEC would also adopt the same process on the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections in September and October respectively.
“I, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to implore party leaders, aspirants, members and supporters to remain mindful of the virulent nature of COVID-19 during electioneering campaigns and other election processes. We need to remain alive to enjoy the benefits of our democracy.
“The PTF wishes to thank all Nigerians who continue to respond to call for involvement in the National Response. In this regard, we thank the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, for donating four motorized modular fumigators (two each to the PTF and the FCT). In the same vein, we want to appreciate the UN Basket and European Union for delivering the second tranche of the PPEs, medical supplies and equipment.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as mentioned during our last press briefing of Monday 27th July, 2020, the PTF will submit its 6th Interim Report to Mr. President and subject to his approval, we hope to present the way forward to Nigerians at the next briefing on Thursday 6th August 2020. I am happy to inform you that, as the ECOWAS Champion on the Containment of COVID-19 in the West African Sub-Region, Mr. President made a donation of N67 million worth of PPEs and medical supplies to the government and people of Sao Tome and Principe.
“Mr. President’s leadership of this regional effort would be more impactful if Nigerians demonstrate that our National Response could be replicable in other West African countries by changing their behavior. The PTF wishes to use this opportunity to appreciate the group of survivors that have added their voices to the campaign against stigmatization and urge the rest of us to always remember that COVID-19 is not a death sentence and we need to be supportive of one another. Most importantly, let’s wear our masks properly, stay at home, especially for those above 60 years, maintain social distancing and continue to take personal responsibility while we encourage others to do the same,” he said.
Mustapha assured Nigerians that the PTF will continue to push forward with the community engagement, risk communication, and support to states. “There is on-going surveillance in the high burden local government areas just as we ramp up our precision efforts. Similarly, the federal government is supporting the States to firm up their Incidence Action Plans preparatory to their accessing the World Bank facility for the fight against COVID-19.”
– Aug. 5, 2020 @ 14:09 GMT |
Tags: Ondo elections PTF urges INEC to adopt COVID-19 protocols on Edo
