By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Apparently to obey the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to work together with the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 Pandemic to achieve the desired success, the Nigerian Governors Forum is now ready to do the needful.
This much was disclosed on Thursday in Abuja by Governor Mohammed Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa state who spoke to the State House Correspondents after the National Economic Council (NEC).
The discussion went thus:
Question : How is the current situation affecting other vaccinations apart from polio, are we likely to see a setback as a result of Covid-19?
Governor: On the vaccinations, yes most of the States still continue with the normal routine vaccinations, we still do. And also on follow-rounds of vaccinations still going on in most of the states.
Q: With the bailout fund deductions being suspended by the Federal Government, can the states pay workers salaries as at when due?
Gov: On the deductions that have been suspended, I think most of the states are paying salaries already. But we have not seen the worst yet, I may not be able to answer this question correctly until we see what comes up in the next part, that is when we expect the worst-case scenario on the fallen oil prices. And at that time we will do the calculation and all the scenarios will come up and that will determine whether we will be able to pay salaries or not.
Q: There seems to be a lack of synergy between the governors and the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, what is the NEC doing to ensure that the curve is flattened?
Gov: That has been resolved because, at our last meeting with Mr President, the President was clear that the Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 should meet and agree on steps to be taken, and it has been discussed today and commitment has been taken by today’s NEC that the Governors’ Forum, the presidential Task Force would work hand -in -hand to see to the end of Covid-19. A committee was formed today that will look up to the eventual opening up of the economy. Sometimes you will see a different approach by different states, that doesn’t mean that there is a loggerhead between the states and the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. Some peculiar situations require some peculiar solutions and that is why at times you see such and that will always be discussed with the Presidential Task Force so that we will always be on the same page.
Q: What is the exact area that you have agreed to collaborate with the PTF?
Gov: The committees are looking at the guidelines, it just like one committee now. We have agreed with the Presidential Task Force on all that we will do to make sure we are on course.
