The Federal government on Thursday raised alarm over what it described as activities of unscrupulous citizens who are doing every thing to frustrate the transparency infused in to the processes of the National Response.
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF), Boss Mustapha, who disclosed this on Thursday at the national briefing, lamented that even ” my signature is being forged by the unscrupulous elements”
Mustapha, while citing report on social media relating to the procurement of fake COVID PCR certificates, however assured that the incident was being investigated
“I am pleased to inform you that this is being investigated and technology backed measures have been taken to limit such activities.
Mustapha also said the PTF received the letter which purportedly emanated from the desk of the Chairman PTF , adding that “This is outrightly fraudulent and we urge Nigerians to remain vigilant so they do not fall into the hands of fraudsters.
Mustapha said the Republic of Korea, whose Ambassador was present at the briefing, is donating Covid-19 kits to Nigeria, as part of the multilateral and bilateral approach to tackling the disease
” We have in our midst the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in our midst. His presence is a sign that multilateralism and bilateralism are key to solving the COVID-19 pandemic. In the course of this briefing, he will be presenting COVID-19 kits to the government of Nigeria, to support our National Response.”
As it’s mandate comes to an end, Mustapha hinted that it will submit its reports in the next two weeks, adding that a suitable transition programme that will take into consideration the multi-sectoral approach will be rrecommended.
” The PTF will be submitting its final Report to Mr. President. This is not the end of the assignment as the virus has not gone away. Similarly, there is the significant issue of vaccine to address in the coming months and years. In recognition of this fact, a suitable transition programme that will take into consideration the multi-sectoral approach will be recommended”
The PTF appealed to all Nigerians to seriously consider putting on hold all non-essential trips and avoid large social gatherings during the Christmas and New Year festivities, as coronavirus continue to ravage nations across Europe
“As we approach the end of the Year, which has been significant by all standards, several competing governance related activities make it impossible for us to brief you as regularly as we desire. I assure all Nigerians, however, that the work of the PTF never stopped during such moments.
Mustapha, while reviewing activities of the PTF, noted that it has persisted on deepening risk communication and community engagements, surveillance testing and pursuit of a viable strategy for accessing the vaccine in a safe and effective manner
Mustapha who hinted about a possible second wave, said the PTF has observed, rather sadly, that Nigerians, particularly some faith based organisations have continued to hold events of large gatherings capable of spreading the virus.
The PTF therefore urged all sub-national entities that signed the protocols with these organisations and have primary responsibility for enforcing the protocols and NPIs to step up their roles of enforcement.
The PTF has also continued to engage with relevant stakeholders on the issues arising from the impact of COVID-19.
These include the mental health, drug use and gender-based violence. This morning, I joined the Christian Association of Nigeria to launch the campaign against gender-based violence particularly triggered by COVID.
It is true that family economies have collapsed, jobs lost, mental health issues have arisen, some persons have taken to drugs and rape has escalated.
The solution is to exercise enormous self-restraint, vigilance and the PTF urges that citizens should take advantage of the mental health programmes nearest to them.
In Abuja, for example, the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi is the facility to visit.
