Covid-19: Nigerians Busy Making “Meaningless Criticisms” – Lai Mohammed Reacts

Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture, on Thursday, said many Nigerians are busy making “meaningless criticisms” instead of complying with the stipulated directives to curtail the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Lai Mohammed defended the strategy deployed by the federal government since the outbreak of Coronavirus.

He stated that the strategy is working but Nigerians are not cooperating with the stipulated directive to fight the deadly virus.

He alleged that some citizens who flew into the country gave fake telephone numbers and addresses which makes it difficult for them to be traced when the need arises.

“Let me say, without mincing words, that we are not getting the kind of cooperation that this moment deserves from Nigerians. Many are busy engaging in meaningless criticisms instead of complying with the stipulated directives to keep people safe.

“Some Nigerians who flew into the country from overseas filled wrong addresses and phone numbers in their forms, making it difficult to trace them when the need arises.

“Some Nigerians defied orders to stay away from large gatherings while some religious leaders willfully flouted the directives to ensure social distancing.

“The government is doing its best but we need the citizens to do their best too. We have now gone past the stage of persuasion. It’s time for strong enforcement.

“I want to say straight away that our strategy at containing this pandemic is working, but we still have a long way to go,” he said.

“We know our priorities and we know our challenges. We have taken very bold measures in stopping international flights into the country, and we hail the state governments that have take equally bold measures in their states, which include the closure of markets and the prohibition of large congregations,” Lai Mohammed said.