The Personal Assistant to the President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, has revealed why the president removed his face mask in Daura, Katsina State.
Last week, Buhari had signed a new law prescribing six-month jail term for persons convicted for disobeying any COVID-19 guideline.
The president signed the COVID-19 health protection regulations 2021 in Abuja, on Wednesday, January 27.
As provided in the Quarantine act, section 34 of the new law states that any offence under the regulations is punishable by a fine or a term of six months imprisonment or both.
Three days later, Buhari had violated the Health Protection Regulation Order he signed.
Buhari was said to have violated the order at the revalidation of his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Daura, Katsina State.
He was seen at different times without his mask, amongst some people.
Although the Nigerian leader had his mask on at some points, it was also observed that he failed to maintain physical distance as stipulated by the newly signed Coronavirus Disease Health Protection Regulations (2021).
The president’s action led to a backlash from Nigerians.
Reacting, by Personal Assistant to president on Social Media, Lauretta Onochie, said Buhari removed his facemask when he was addressing the All Progressives Congress, APC, faithfuls.
In a tweet, the presidential aide wrote: “Mr. President in Daura. He wore a mask in Daura, except when he addressed Party faithful. Afterwards, he put it back on.”
