The Ogun State Government on Wednesday announced a two-day ban on public gatherings of more than 20 persons and outlawed procession as the nation marks its 60th Independence Day.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, also imposed a two-day curfew between 10pm and 6am from Thursday to Friday which would take effect from Wednesday night.
Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said the ban was part the efforts in curtailing the spread of COVID-19.
He said, “All forms of gathering in the state, except the state announced Independence Day Anniversary programme, are restricted to a maximum of 20 persons.”
The governor also said the state had opted for a low-key celebration of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary.
He relocated the Diamond Independence Anniversary activities earlier scheduled to hold at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta to the Arcade Ground of the state secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The statement reads partly, “In line with COVID-19 protocols, admission to the venue will be strictly by invitation. Security and other aides of invited guests will not be allowed into the premises.”
In the same vein, the Lagos State Government has opted for a low-key celebration of the 60th Independence Anniversary due to COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had directed that the planned parade and other activities that involve the gathering of more than 50 people should be cancelled.
“He congratulates Lagosians on this auspicious occasion and strongly advises that they should celebrate quietly at home and pray for the country. They should also observe the COVID-19 protocols, including wearing of face masks to protect themselves and their loved ones,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has instructed officers and men of the command to disallow any unlawful societies, under whatever disguise, from staging rallies or protests within the state on Thursday (today).
A statement by the state police command’s spokesman, SP Muyiwa Adejobi, said, “CP Hakeem Odumosu similarly warned parents and guardians to warn their children and wards to desist from any rallies, protests or being mobilised to wage war against the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, or else they (parents or guardians) of any youths arrested for such act will be prosecuted.”
Similarly, public celebration of 60th Independence Day in Cross River State has been cancelled by Governor Ben Ayade.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita, the cancellation was as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to avoid community transmission.
“For those who may wish to celebrate the day at home, I urge them to do so observing all the COVID-19 protocols and other safety measures as announced by government,” the governor was quoted as saying.
Also in his message, the governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, in a statement he signed on Wednesday urged Nigerians to believe in the unity of Nigeria.
He said, “As a people, we have indeed come a long way, shouldering the onerous task of charting the course of our collective destiny, making personal and collective sacrifices that today define our path to greatness.”
Likewise, the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, and ex-governor Babangida Aliyu, in their separate statements said with unity and peace, Nigeria could attain greatness.
Bello in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Mary Berje, said, “Security is also key; without it, the country will be struggling and its quest for sustainable development will be a mirage.
“We must open a new chapter towards revitalising and diversifying our economy and ensure that we invest in the future for our younger generation.”
Likewise, Aliyu in his statement said, “There is no country that can attain greatness in an atmosphere of chaos, hence the need for peace.”
Additionally, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Wednesday, congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 60th independence anniversary and the Ekiti people on the 24th year of the creation of the state.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said although the country had remained one indivisible political entity despite political and ethnic forces, Nigerians must continue to make concerted efforts to see the “Nigeria of our dream come to full manifestation.”
Fayemi, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, said, “All hands must be on deck in building a united and prosperous nation.”
At the same time, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Segun Ajiboye, on Wednesday, said, “The pains inflicted on humanity by the Covid-19 pandemic is still around, but we believe that with the Nigerian spirit of resilience and resourcefulness the nation will bounce back into glory.”
Also, the Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, called on the citizens to continue to live in love.
The statement reads partly, “Going forward, we must live in love as one people under God and continue to always employ dialogue, especially at these challenging times to achieve the peace, unity, national integration and prosperity that we desire as a nation.”
Buhari to make national broadcast
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has rescinded his earlier decision to address Nigerians on the nation’s 60th independence anniversary on Thursday from the Eagle Square Abuja venue of the anniversary parade.
Buhari will now make the traditional nationwide broadcast at 7am before proceeding to the venue of the anniversary parade scheduled to commence by 10am.
The Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, who had earlier announced the first arrangement, also disclosed the change in a statement released about five hours after the first statement.
The second statement read, “As part of activities commemorating the 60th independence anniversary of the country, President Muhammadu Buhari will broadcast to the nation on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 7am.”
Adesina said the “updated statement supersedes our earlier one indicating an open-air live presidential address on October 1.”
‘Queen of England hails Nigeria’
In a related development, the Presidency on Wednesday said the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, sent a message of felicitation Buhari on Nigeria’s 60th independence.
This was contained in a statement by Adesina, who said the Queen’s message was conveyed by the British High Commission in Nigeria.
“The United Kingdom and Nigeria benefit from strong and enduring ties as Commonwealth partners through shared history and most importantly, our people. These are bonds that I hope and believe will flourish long into the future,” the statement quoted the Queen’s message. Be united, EU urges Nigerians. Punch
