President Muhammadu Buhari and PTF on Church Reopening
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19 Boss Mustapha, said President Muhammadu Buhari, will be the one to determine the possible reopening of worship centres as the country still batles the spread of the COVID-19 in almost all the states of the federation.
The PTF Chairman, Boss Mustapha, stated that one of the recommendations submitted to Buhari was that Nigeria would enter the second phase of the battle against the pandemic.
While briefing journalists after the meeting at the Presidential Villa, the PTF Chairman said the Task Force had made recommendations to the President.
As maintained by him, states should now manage the pandemic, with coordination by the Federal Government.
Mustapha, while responding to questions on the reopening worship centres, across Nigeria stated that the issue was discussed at the meeting, and that was part of what they had considered in its entirety.
He stressed that PTF awaits President Buhari’s decision on that, that he would see what happens, once he received his approval, going forward, as to certain recommendations that they have assembled.
Mustapha added that the ownership of the next phase will be the responsiblility of the states under national supervision and coordination, because they have gone into community transmissions.
According to the SGF the PTF had reviewed the issues of places of worship, schools, and businesses, saying that they have made the appropriate recommendations.
He emphasized that Mr President was the only one that could take decisions in respect of the matter, insisting that the framework, in the states are sub-nationals; that they have their own responsibilities too.
Maintaining that it is in the exercise of those responsibilities that they met with religious bodies and agreed on the protocols and guidelines on how to open up.