The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assured that it will continue to open its doors for operations in spite of the impact of Coronavirus in the country and on the global economy.
A statement issued yesterday by Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor, disclosed that as a responsible public institution and regulator, the bank has triggered its business continuity plans to ensure that operations remain undisrupted at this time when social distancing has become crucial to checking further spread of the virus.
“We have also directed Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and other financial institutions to do the same. The welfare and safety of our staff members, their families and indeed all Nigerians, remain a top priority to us.
“Consequently, with effect from Wednesday, March 25, 2020 (yesterday), till further notice, only essential staff members of the CBN’s Head Office and the 37 branches of the bank, will be expected to report for duty daily,” the statement added.
Relatedly, the Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has announced the postponement of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020 indefinitely.
Chairman of BSIEC, Joseph Tersoo Loko, who addressed newsmen yesterday, explained that the postponement became necessary due to the dangers posed by COVID-19.He stated that arrangements had been made for the election, but the exercise had to be shifted in the interest of the state and the people.
Meanwhile, in compliance with the directive of the Federal Government and National headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Taraba State chapter of the party has have shifted its local and state congresses earlier scheduled for March 26, 2020 and March 28, 2020.
A statement issued by the state leadership of the party, noted that the decision to postpone the exercise was based on Federal Government’s directive and that of the party following outbreak of COVID-19
The statement, which was signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Inuwa Bakari, added, “The local government and state congresses in Taraba State earlier approved by the National Working Committee (NEC) to hold between March 26 and March 28, 2020 has been postponed indefinitely.”
