Yekinni Raji, Samuel Akintunde and Fareedah Taofeeq
SUMMARY
A controversial news headline widely circulated on the internet suggests that Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu is set to end the lockdown in Lagos state next week. This statement was allegedly issued by the Governor while addressing the General public during the press briefing of the COVID-19 update on April 20, 2020.
CONCLUSION
The news story is false and its headline was made to deceive people to view the story. While Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that he is considering making use of face mask mandatory, he didn’t mention ending the lockdown. Governor Sanwo-Olu doesn’t have the power to end the lockdown since it was declared by President Muhammadu Buhari.
FULL TEXT
The story which appeared originally on a blog here with the title, “Lagos To end lockdown and mandate wearing of face mask next week”.
This claim suggests that Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will end the lockdown across the state next week. This viral news story surfaced on the internet hours after the Governor’s press briefing on Coronavirus update at the Government House in Marina Lagos.
VERIFICATION
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Yesterday tweeted through his verified and acknowledged Twitter account addressing Lagosians on his administration’s efforts in the fight against Coronavirus.
In his message, Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed his concern over the community transmission of COVID-19 which has led to a surge in the number of Coronavirus Patient.
He went further to say that the Lagos State Government is planning to ensure the mandatory use of face mask in order to contain COVID-19 and he didn’t give an exact time when it will be implemented as the article’s headline suggested.
The Governor made no mention of lifting the lockdown order placed on the state.
Lagos State Commissioner of information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho said earlier that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu does not have the power to end the lockdown as it wasn’t declared by him in the first place. It is only President Muhammadu Buhari that can end the lockdown.
People’s check implores Nigerians not to be too quick to believe and send broadcast messages they receive from any social platform or blog until they are sure of its accuracy.
If you have any information you want to verify, contact our Official WhatsApp account – 09077420450
Stay Safe
People's Check 