Members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PFF) have conceded that there was “unintentional violation of the principles and protocols” of the coronavirus lockdown during the burial rites of Abba Kyari.
The late chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari was flown in from Lagos and buried at Gudu Cemetry Abuja on Saturday after he died of coronavirus. There was a crowd at the burial, which included government officials and presidential aides. The federal government had earlier announced that the funeral would be conducted in private to show compliance with the guidelines against the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking at the PTF briefing on Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said the committee regrets the ‘unintentional violation’ of protocols at Mr Kyari’s funeral.
Mr Mustapha, who doubles as the chairman of the taskforce,said, “The PTF recognises, regrettably, the unintentional violation of the principles and protocols that form the core of our message to Nigerians, at the funeral of the late chief of staff.
”These principles for emphasis, include: the guidance provided on mass gatherings, social distancing, Personal Hygiene and restriction of movements.
”Lessons have been learnt and appropriate measures have been taken to close all gaps,” he said.
Mr Mustapha and several senior government officials and politicians were amongst those sighted at the funeral.
Many Nigerians had expressed their disappointment over the disregard for social distancing and other health advisories at Mr Kyari’s funeral.
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