Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, has reversed his stance seeking a relaxation of the lockdown imposed by the Federal Government to curb the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the state.
Recall that the governor had appealed to the Federal Government to ease the lockdown imposed on the state, citing economic hardship and the need for residents to restock foodstuff due to Ramadan.
The appeal was made despite the rising number of Coronavirus cases recorded in the state. Kano is now the second state with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, its toll standing at 311 as of Friday.
The requested elicited a lot of backlash for the governor on social media by Nigerians, who advised him to prioritise the health of residents.
Governor Ganduje subsequently made the U-turn on Saturday, advising all Kano residents to adhere to the lockdown order and maintain social distancing.
“I reiterate my plea for all Kano citizens to adhere to the lockdown rule. We need to slow down the virus and this is only possible with social distancing. Please stay in your homes,” he tweeted.
He also assured residents that the state is ramping up efforts to effectively combat the virus.
“We’re working fast to deal with the spread of #COVID19 in our great state with the conversion of some facilities in the state to isolation centres. The Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital, Murtala Muhammed Library Complex, Hospitality and Tourism Institute formerly Daula Hotel.
“Sports Institute at Karfi and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital will now house carriers of the pandemic going forward. The Murtala Muhammad Library Complex is expected to accommodate over 200 beds and also an estimated 300 beds will be provided at Karfi Sports Institute,” Governor Ganduje tweeted.
