The lockdown in Adamawa State geared towards preventing the invasion of Coronavirus in the state has received a legal backing.
The executive order known as the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Restriction Adamawa State Regulations 2020 Order, as signed by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri came into force by midnight of Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
The Governor in a statement through his Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, stated that the Restriction Order prohibits a person from leaving his abode without reasonable excuse except to obtain basic necessities such as food, drugs, and water within the two weeks lockdown.
Other reasons for movement are seeking medical assistance, providing care and assistance to a vulnerable person, donating blood or for the purpose of work, which are all classified as essential services.
The Government expects citizens to exercise caution when considering any undertaking outside those exceptions, as defaulters of these majors may have to justify their actions to the police or other law enforcement agencies and the courts.
Also, anyone who fails to comply liable on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding 50, 000 Naira, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Under the regulation, the police or law enforcement officers have the right to use reasonable force if need be on reasonable grounds on a suspect that may be infected or contaminated with the Coronavirus and there is a risk that the person might infect others.
The legal backing further stated that it is an offence under the Restriction Order for a person to provide false or misleading information, or to obstruct any person lawfully enforcing its provisions, without reasonable excuse.
According to Governor Fintiri, all regulations set in place might change as circumstances warrant.