…Holds Meeting With CAN, Muslim Councils
By Benjamin Awua, Jalingo
The Taraba State governor, Arc. Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku has shut down markets and worship centers in the state.
The shut down order was contained in a statement read by the state deputy governor, Enrg Haruna Manu.
Ishaku regretted that the earlier directives of ‘stay at home’ was not adhered to and as such, the state government has directed the state Commissioner of Police and Nigerian Civil Defence and Securiry Corps, NSCDC, to enforce this directives to the later.
Governor Ishaku also outlined a number of precautionary measures taken by the Taraba State government to ensure that Taraba State is free from recording any case of Coronavirus pandemic.
The statement, while urgung Tarabans to cooperate and adopt the simple, universal acceptable hygienic protocols, such as no handshake, no hugging, washing of hands, use of senitizers and maintaining social distancing among other similer measures; also read in part, “The prevaling circumstances of the spread of the Coronavirus has compelled the government to once again address and update the citizens on the situation of the pandemic as it affects our dear State.
“First of all, let me assure you that there is no single reported case of the virus in the state and we are determined to keep it that way, with your support and with Almighty God on our side.
“We are however not complacent, as robust and proactive measures have already been put in place to contain the spread of the virus to any part of the state.”
Recalling that one of the first early steps taken by the Ishaku administration was the constitution of a technical committee made up of medical personnel and seasoned technocrats, which has been provided the enabling environment to perform its assignment without hindrance, the statement added, “At this juncture, I wish to align this administration with the laudable steps so far taken by the Federal Government and to assure that we are ready to partner with relevant federal agencies to curb the spread of the virus to Taraba State.
“I wish to remind you that the ban on public gathering of not more than 20 persons is still in place to safeguard the lives of all citizens.
“Similarly , the governor has engaged with the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Muslim Council, which led to the decision to restrict large gatherings in places of worships for now. The leadership of the two religious organizations have also communicated the decision to their local government branches.”
Reiterating that administration has taken the bold step of closing down all our interstate borders to restrict movement into the state, the deputy governor reiterated the earlier directive that the Police and the NSCDC must enforce strict compliance to this Executive Order
He added that apart from closing down all schoolsGovernor Ishaku had also directed civil servants on Grade levels 1-12 to remain at home for now, adding that “as a further step, government has now directed markets and shop in the state to prepare a close down, effective from Wednesday, 1st April, 2020 by 11pm,” with rhe exception of those that provide essential services like pharmacies, food stores and petrol service stations.
He said, “Let me caution that these measures should not be allowed to cause panic buying or be used by shop owners to hoard or hike the prices of goods and serices
“Government will study the implications of this directive, so that it does not impact negatively on the people. We will continue to give periodic updates on the situation as the need may arise on Taraba Twlevisuon,TTV,; Taraba State Broadcasting Service, TSBS; the Nigerian Televisiin Authority, NTA; national dailies, as well as our official soclal media handles for the purpose of disseminating the right information to the public.
Reiterating that the situation is not beyond the government’s capacity, the statement added, “We have taken precautions by stocking drugs, protective gears and hand sanitizers. We have also identified and equipped designated isolation centers.
“I will not fail to acknowledge the tremendous support and sacrifices of our medical personnel at this crucial period. You are our first line of defence and I encourage you to continue to devote your time, energy and skills to defeat the virus.
“Finally, ladies and gentlemen, the instructions to stay at home is still in force. All hands must be on deck, if we must overcome the scourge of Coronavirus also known as COVID-19.”
In attendance at the briefing were Commissioners for Health, Information and Special Duties. Others were the state Chairman of CAN and Chairman of the state Muslim Council, among others.
