November 22, 2020 
With the economy now back in recession, the nation is definitely not contemplating a second lockdown even though the Covid-19 cases are increasing by the day, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus, Boss Mustapha, has said.
Mustapha, who hinted that the PTF is billed to meet tomorrow, Monday, November 23, and perfect strategies on how to contain the new wave of Covid-19 infection, however, said the nation might introduce new but stricter measures, going forward.
Although he claimed more facts did not support the idea of a second lockdown, Mustapha insisted that such a position would be the way to go if only Nigerians were willing to cooperate and stop acting as though the virus was a hoax.
Mustapha, who sounded very concerned with the increase in numbers while speaking exclusively to THISDAY, noted that the reality was that a second lockdown appeared more unlikely especially, because of the economy, which he stated was still recovering before sliding into another recession, alleged to be the worst since 1987.
The SGF, who quoted the National Bureau of Statistics as announcing the slide into recession, said her recent “report showed that we have slid, albeit slightly, into recession, so we can’t allow another lockdown, in fact, we shouldn’t allow it, however, only if Nigerians cooperate. It’s a collective responsibility and we all must play our parts.
“If we continue to be reckless and act irresponsibly especially, during the yuletide period, which is our greatest fear, public health might demand certain measures are taken and we just might be left with no option. But, honestly, a second lockdown is not on the card and I pray we don’t go that route.”
He, however, linked the rise in new cases of coronavirus to the recent #EndSARS protests, which saw thousands of Nigerians, throng the streets in objection to alleged police brutalities in different parts of the country.
– Thisdaylive
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