Buhari: No Need to Panic, We Can Tackle COVID-19
President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians not to panic over the Coronavirus epidemic, assuring that the government was capable of tackling the problem.
So far, there are 12 cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, including the four cases discovered in Lagos.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President said measures are being taken to curtail the spread of the disease.
Part of the statement reads: “Nigeria like every other country around the world is dealing with the unexpected and the unprecedented impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Muhammadu Buhari administration has taken some steps to mitigate the effects on the Nigerian people.
“To prevent the spread of cases imported into Nigeria, the president has already ordered the restrictions of travel from 13 countries, each with more than 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
“Government has also suspended visas issued to nationals of these countries. The restriction will take effect from March 21 and will remain until further notice. While Nigeria delights in welcoming the world, the safety and protection of our citizens and land must take priority.
“The various agencies of government, including the media owned by the government, have embarked on vigorous campaigns promoting hygiene measures. There are, currently, very stringent regimes of checks at the points of air and sea entry into the country. The effort Nigeria is making as is well known, has already received the commendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“The Presidency wishes to assure Nigerians that the government is on top of the situation. There is no cause for panic. So far measures put in place are working efficiently. What this country is doing has been recommended as a template.
“The President trusts the relevant ministers in his cabinet and the officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), who are providing him with constant updates and professional counsel. These officials have a track record of competence.”
The statement came as the wife of the President, Turai, closed her office following the outbreak of the disease.
Buhari’s daughter is also said to be in self isolation.
So far, schools have been closed in Enugu, Anambra, Benue, Niger, Ondo, Kano and the FCT-, Lagos, Kwara and Ogun.
Others include Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned Nigeria and other West African countries to prepare for worst case scenario as the disease continues to spread.
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