Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has described the concert staged in Jabi area of Abuja by Naira Marley as reckless, wicked, insensitive and utter disrespect and disregard both for the law and the wellbeing and welfare of fellow citizens.
The minister, who reacted angrily to what he called “the illegal music concert” held at the Jabi Lake Mall on Saturday, June 13, said that videos of the event which are still circulating on the social media clearly showed a concert going on with music and live performances by a band and dancers.
He said that the video also showed attendees dancing to the live performances on the elaborately constructed stage”.
According to him, several aspects of the guidelines as postulated by the Presidential Task Force on COVID 19 as well as the FCT Administration were violated with reckless abandon.
“For purposes of emphasis”, said Malam Bello, “the PTF and FCTA’s guidelines clearly states the following;
i. There shall be no gathering of more than 20 people outside of a workplace or places of worship.
ii. There should be mandatory use of face masks when in public
iii. There should be social distancing of at least 2 meters between 2 people while in public
iv. There is a ban on all congregational events such as parties, weddings, concerts etc
v. There is a closure of all clubs, bars, gardens, beer parlors, recreational parks, communal sports facilities, movie theaters and so on
vi. Markets and business premises are to remain open between 8 am and 3 pm
vii. There is a ban on interstate travel
“All the guidelines as postulated above were clearly violated as the videos available on social media indicate.”
Muhammad Musa Bello said that his Administration has a responsibility to protect the lives of the citizenry and is therefore determined to prosecute all those involved in orchestrating these infractions to the full extent of the law.
