Joseph Bakare
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday, March 1; urged the opposition against politicising the first case of coronavirus in the country.
The APC further said the Federal Government should be commended for moving swiftly to contain the disease.
This was contained in a statement issued by its APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu.
Issa-Onilu also commended “the proactive work and coordination activities of the Federal Ministry of Health, National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Lagos and Ogun State Governments and other public and private health institutions.
According to the party, the discovery of the country’s first case within 24 hours is a pointer to the government’s capacity to manage and deal with the outbreak.
The statement said: “In managing outbreaks such as the coronavirus, transparent and effective communication is key. This government has demonstrated this in no uncertain way; through the 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.
“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 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.
“Among other treatment successes being recorded in cases of coronavirus; China has shared its treatment procedure of coronavirus with Nigeria as disclosed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.
“Our handling of the Ebola outbreak was exemplary. We call on all Nigerians to remain upbeat and confident that this too will be another good outing for us.”
