From Yakubu Busari, Jos
Sheik Jingir
An Islamic cleric in Plateau State, Sheik Sani Yahaya Jingir, who directed worshippers to disregard the statewide stay- at- home- order over Covid-19 pandemic has tendered apology to the government and called on his followers to observe total compliance.
The Sheikh who was immediately whisked away by security operatives, was saved from detention by governor of Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong who directed that he be released on account of his age. He runs the Jama’at Izalat al Bid’a Wa Iqamat group, also called JIBWIS.
Counsel to the cleric, Barr A.A Sangie, confirmed that the Sheik tendered the apology not just to the state government but the country.
As source at the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Police Force, who pleaded anonymity said the Islamic cleric comments threatened national security.
According to him, the police command headquarters in Jos metropolis couldn’t make use of their earlier threat to handle the matter with the seriousness it deserves, “because of the governor’s intervention.”
It was gathered that at the time the Plateau Police boss handed the cleric over to the State Security Service, the Sheik realized the gravity of his offence and had to make a confessional statement, denouncing his earlier comments.
It was also reliably gathered that another reason for the police inability to detain the JIBWIS Leader was partly because of his alleged crucial role in the election of the APC government at the state and national levels.
It would be recalled that the government had on March 26 rolled out measures to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state. As at March 30, the state has one confirmed case according to the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC
According to the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang, “the Governor as the Chairman of the Task Force on Monitoring and Enforcement has directed that beginning from today, Friday 27th March 2020, security agencies will embark on full enforcement of the measures earlier outlined to deal with the Corona Virus Disease.
“Consequently, members of the public are warned in their own interest to abide by the restriction order as security officials will arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the order.
For the avoidance of doubt, the restriction order includes the following measures amongst others.
1. Closure of all markets (except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas)
2. No congregation of more than 50 people at places of worship etc, and strict observance of 2- metres social distancing where up to 50 people congregate, as well as provision of hygiene materials such as water, soap and sanitizers.
3. Prohibition of street trading, street hawking, and begging
4. Ban on weekly Sunday markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs
5. Closure of all drinking joints, social centres and night clubs
6. Mandatory provision of take-away packs by restaurants to avoid crowding
7. Cancellation of all festivals and anniversaries
8. Strict adherence to 2-metres social distancing in motor parks and inside all transport vehicles and tricycles
