The Presidency has limited media coverage of the seat of power, Aso Rock as the contagious Covid-19 viral infection takes a hold of Nigeria’s political elite.
The Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari was diagnosed with Covid-19 and flown to Lagos in a critical condition.
See Also: Coronavirus: Nigeria receives Chinese billionaire’s medical kits
Three of his staff also tested positive to the virus.
Although President Buhari tested negative to the virus when he was tested initially, reports as at 4am say the strong man in the villa is not feeling too well and has had to use a respirator to help with breathing.
Consequently the Presidency has scaled down media coverage of the villa, limiting authorized media houses to 13.
The restrictions seen part of a wider move to shut down Aso Rock, are expected to be in place until the threat of Covid-19 passes.
The Presidency has however said the media restrictions are in compliance with social distancing rules. It also said it was in a bid to limit the gathering of people within the villa to not more than 50 at a time.
Releasing a statement on the matter, Director of Information, State House, Mr. Attah Esa, said the Presidency has also scaled down the number of staff in other departments affiliated with the villa.
He said it was not ethical for over 100 journalists to gather for work daily given the present circumstances. Therefore media coverage of the villa has been limited to the following media houses:
Deutsche Welle, NTA, Channels TV, TVC, FRCN, VON, NAN, The Sun, ThisDay, Leadership, Daily Trust, The Guardian and Vanguard.
These restrictions are expected to commence today, Wednesday 25th of March, 2020.