Sultan Quadri

SUMMARY

A viral WhatsApp message suggests that the Nigerian Governors’ Forum has drafted a lockdown timetable for all states and that the compulsory use of face masks will be enforced from May 1st, 2020


CONCLUSION

This claim is Mostly False. Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu has debunked the claim. The Governors’ Forum didn’t make such a resolution and their recommendations are subject to President Buhari’s approval.
The compulsory use of Face mask is true but the timeline is false.


FULL TEXT

Background

Premium Times reported that The Governors’ forum sent a memo on April 24 to the Secretary to Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha. The memo was signed by the Ekiti State governor and chairman of the governors’ forum, Kayode Fayemi.
The memo came after the governors’ forum meeting with Prof Yemi Osibajo. The governors called for nationwide inter-state lockdown that excludes movement of essential supplies — foods, beverages, medical and pharmaceuticals, petroleum supplies, and agricultural products.
They also recommended internal free movement but with restrictions on large gatherings and assemblies overnight curfews, the lockdown of flights, and compulsory use of face masks/coverings in the public.

The Claim

The Viral WhatsApp message suggests that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum arrived at a lockdown timetable to be followed by all states, that the compulsory use of face mask has begun in the country and it will be enforced on May 1st, 2020. It also issued a warning that defaulter will be punished according to the law.

VERIFICATION
There was no mention of any lockdown timetable in the Memo sent to the President through the office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation.

Any decision made by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is subject to President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval.


Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Jibril Gawat debunked the issuance of any lockdown timetable.

Vanguard reported today, April 26, 2020 that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday announced the compulsory use of face mask by residents from Monday, April 27, as part of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 pandemic which has continued to be on the rise in the state.

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