Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje, has called for compliance with the lockdown in state two days after asking the Federal Government to ease the restriction.
The PUNCH reports that Buhari in a nationwide broadcast on Monday ordered a total lockdown in the state as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus disease.
But Ganduje asked the Federal Government to ease the 14-day total lockdown on Thursday, saying it would result in economic hardship in the state.
The governor’s appeal, however, led to an outrage on social media, with many commenters asking him to prioritise the health of residents.
On Friday, Kano recorded 92 new cases – the highest daily figure to be reported in any state in Nigeria within 24 hours.
After the new cases recorded on Friday, the governor in a series of tweets on Saturday said the lockdown was necessary to curb the spread of the virus.
He also urged residents to obey the lockdown order and maintain social distancing.
He tweeted, “We’re working fast to deal with the spread of #COVID19 in our great state with the conversion of some facilities in the state to isolation centres. The Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital, Murtala Muhammed Library Complex, Hospitality and Tourism Institute formerly Daula Hotel.
“Sports Institute at Karfi and the Nigerian Air Force Hospital will now house carriers of the pandemic going forward. The Murtala Muhammad Library Complex is expected to accommodate over 200 beds and also an estimated 300 beds will be provided at Karfi Sports Institute.
“I reiterate my plea for all Kano citizens to adhere to the lockdown rule. We need to slow down the virus and this is only possible with social distancing. Please stay in your homes.