30th March, 2020
PRESS RELEASE:
MURIC SUPPORTS BUHARI’S BAN ON MOVEMENT
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has thrown its weight behind the ban on movement in Abuja FCT, Lagos and Ogun states. President Muhammadu Buhari in a nationwide broadcast yesterday ordered residents of Lagos, Abuja and Ogun states to stay at home for fourteen days from Monday 30th March, 2020. While some Nigerians have criticized the directive, MURIC has described it as the wisest decision in the present circumstances.
“Restriction of movement in Abuja FCT, Lagos and Ogun has become sine qua non in the battle against further spread of Covid-19. The president made the wisest decision in the present circumstances. We wonder what those who criticized the announcement really want for Nigeria. These are the same people who claimed that the president had been infected with the Corona virus and challenged him to show his face. They demanded action but when action was eventually taken, they have taken offence again. We urge Nigerians to ignore hypocrites and parasites whose pathological hatred for Buhari and what he stands for have beclouded their sense of judgement.
“The death toll in Italy for yesterday alone rose to 890 because the citizens did not take stay-at-home advice seriously when they were told to do so. Corona virus cases in Italy was only 21 by 21st February, 2020. But it rose sharply to 86,498 on 27th March, 2020. It could not have become so bad if they had hearkened to advice.
“It is the same story for many other countries currently facing shocking rise in corona tolls. America had just 16 cases of corona by 21st February but it rose to 100,037 by 27th March. From 18 cases on 26th February, France rose to 32,964 on 27th March. Within the same period, Spain skyrocketed from 25 cases to 64,059 while Iran snowballed from 5 cases to 32,332.
“These are advanced countries with state of the art medical facilities. What chance do we have? Is there still any Nigerian who doubts the capacity of the average Nigerian to tow the path of indiscipline without enforcement? We know ourselves. It is only those who want to see more bodybags on the streets who are trying to mislead the public. Therefore, this ban is in order.
“MURIC advises residents of Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states to comply with the restriction. It is only for a limited period of two weeks and it is all in our own interest. In addition, we urge people in other states to self-isolate and resist the urge to mingle. Avoid social events and meetings. Postpone earlier schedules and appointments. What is important for now is your life. Keep a safe distance of at least one meter (3 feet) from one another, wash your hands frequently and obey other instructions from health officials and the authorities.”
Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
