• Insists on facemasks, gives October deadline
• Tomori, Ashiru, Ayebae back FG, say mandatory vaccination limits spread, reduces new variants
• Chukwunenye, Ubani say compulsory vaccination violates existing labour terms, rights of civil servants
The Kaduna State government, yesterday, announced a 12-day ultimatum for all civil servants in the state to receive COVID-19 vaccine in the latest of compulsory vaccination push embarked on by the Federal and some state governments.
The ultimatum was announced in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye. According to him, all civil servants are expected to be vaccinated by October 31, after which they will be denied entry into government offices if found not to have complied with the directive.
“The Kaduna State government will from October 31, 2021 require compliance with COVID-19 protocols, especially facemasks and vaccination, for access to its offices,” the statement reads.
![FILES] A health worker tries to load into a syringe a Vaxzevria Astrazeneca vaccine during the vaccination of Muslim faithfuls against coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja in Lagos, on November 26, 2021. – Fearing a surge in cases over Christmas travel season and wary of the emergence of new variants, Nigeria is turning to religious leaders, churches and mosques to push a mass vaccination campaign. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)](https://www.afriupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Nigeria-1-1062x598-1.jpg "Over 21m Nigerians fully vaccinated against COVID-19, says FG 4")
Visitors will, however, be permitted entry upon presentation of evidence of registration with the state Ministry of Health for vaccination, while wearing their facemasks.
The statement read: “As it continues to balance public health considerations and the safe pursuit of livelihoods, the government is constantly monitoring COVID-19 infections in the state and reviewing the pattern of spread.
“Based on these reviews, the state COVID-19 task force has advised the government that the risk of mass infection remains. This necessitates that careful attention must be paid to continued enforcement of preventive measures and encouraging residents of Kaduna State to practice personal responsibility more consistently.
“This is in line with the forward campaign launched last year to help citizens adopt preventive measures as the state reopened after months of lockdown.
“The commencement of vaccinations against COVID-19 is the most significant development in the public health space since the virus began its tragic worldwide spread. Thus far, only a minority of Nigerians have been vaccinated against COVID-19 because of supply issues.
“But there is no such constraint against universal compliance by all residents of Kaduna with the simple tests outlined in the FORWARD campaign: wear Facemasks, Observe physical distance, practice Respiratory hygiene, Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitiser, Avoid large gatherings, Remain indoors as much as possible and eat immunity-boosting Diets.
“The Ministry of Health has since commenced the vaccination of all civil servants, and this is expected to be completed by 31st October. All civil servants are required to be vaccinated by that date.”
MEANWHILE, the directive by the Federal Government, last Wednesday, on compulsory vaccination for civil servants in the country on or before December 1, 2021, is still generating debates and controversy.
In fact, Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Monday Ubani, last Saturday, said that he would not hesitate to drag the Federal Government to court if it goes ahead to enforce the directive on compulsory vaccination for civil servants in the country.
Recall that Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chairman Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, had last week announced that all civil servants in Nigeria shall with effect from December 1, show proof of vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours to gain access to their various offices within Nigeria and Missions abroad.
A consultant virologist and Chairman, Expert Review Committee on COVID-19, Prof. Oyewole Tomori, told The Guardian that unlike in previous circumstances, he backs the Federal Government on mandatory vaccination.
Tomori, who is also a consultant to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and pioneer Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University Ede, Osun State, said: “I have on several occasions disagreed with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF)/Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on some of their orders, however, on this one, they have my support. The government has made it easy for civil servants to access the vaccine by providing sufficient number of doses and is giving the civil servants up to December 1 to get vaccinated.
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