By Lesley Muosowo Otu, Abuja
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has reprimanded politicians, whose utterances on the first case of coronavirus recorded in Nigeria, it says are to seek cheap gains.
This is contained in a statement by the Spokesperson of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu on Sunday.
“We have observed with disgust the utterances of some partisans following the report of the country’s first case of coronavirus. It is irresponsible of any political party to seek political gains from an issue that bothers on the health and well-being of all of us.
“This is a time when real patriots put in their own positive shifts in conjunction with the government. It is not a time to spread fear and rumour. We call on all Nigerians to ignore people seeking to create panic through fake news. We all should rely only on the official sources of information on the Coronavirus,” the statement read.
The APC commended the Federal Ministry of Health, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other stakeholders that were working to contain the dreaded disease.
“Following the report of Nigeria’s first case of coronavirus (COVID-19), the All Progressives Congress (APC) commends the proactive work and coordination being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Health, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Lagos and Ogun State Governments along with other health institutions, personnel and states.
“The feat of discovering the country’s first case within 24 hours and result of test within 4 hours is pointer to the capacity of this government to manage and deal with the outbreak, a feat recognised and commended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a news conference for an update on the global outbreak.”
The statement stressed the importance of effective communication, which the party said government was making optimum use of, through delivery of up-to-date and timely information.
“In managing outbreaks such as the coronavirus, transparent and effective communication is key and this government has demonstrated this in no uncertain way through delivery of up-to-date and timely information on developments, measures being taken and progress made.
“In observation of world standard protocol on prevention and cure of coronavirus, screening and surveillance measures at the airports, seaports and designated entry points are in place. Medical facilities to deal with any eventuality are also in place and in top gear. We call on all citizens to stay alert but confident.
“Among other treatment successes being recorded in cases of coronavirus, China has shared its treatment procedure of coronavirus with Nigeria as disclosed by the health minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire. Our handling of the Ebola outbreak was exemplary,” the statement added.
