Says nightclubs, others remain shut
By Muhammad Abdullahi, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) on Wednesday warned that its directive that all religious and social gatherings be limited to 50% of the hall capacity remains sacrosanct and enforceable.
This was even as it urged worship centres planning an elaborate new year eve religious ritual, popularly called ” crossover night ” to obey constituted authorities and adhere strictly to the recommended preventive measures and health guidelines.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement, Ikharo Attah, said the surge in new cases of COVID-19 was alarming, and the administration would not fold its arms and watch.
He also said that the ban on nightclubs and other social gatherings where physical distancing and non pharmaceutical protocols can’t be achieved, remains in force.
He disclosed that on 26th December alone the city recorded an alarmingly disturbing 806 New cases, while on the 27th the new cases were 57.
Attah noted that the report on Tuesday 28th December, that 80 new cases were recorded in the nation’s capital, was not a cheering news, and that there must be government and all stakeholders’ effective collaboration to tackle the pandemic.
According to him, FCT Ministers had at different occasions met with religious leaders and other stakeholders, creating synergy against the deadly pandemic, and also reiterating their commitment to keeping Abuja safe and secured.
While he appealed to religious leaders and residents to ensure complete compliance with all the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Health and Human Services Secretariat last week, he noted that enforcement team would be mobilized to track down violators who will be made to face the laws of the land.
He added that the administration will continue to do everything necessary to have a healthy and prosperous capital city that is free from diseases and all manner of anti human elements in the new year.