From Mathew Jwantu, Minna
Former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retired), has called for more collaborative effort on the part of all stakeholders for the containment of the coronavirus pandemic in the country
Speaking through a statement he personally signed on Sunday and made available to our correspondent, Babangida who is also known as Marodona said united front is critical to winning the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There is no room for blame game now but concerted support by all Nigerians,” said the former military leader who commended the governments at both levels on the efforts made towards managing the spread of the disease.
According to the Octogenarian, “It is time for synergy between federal government efforts and that of states where majority of citizens live with attendant implications for flattening the curve increasing testing capacity and reduce the pains and we have the lesson and experiences of China, Taiwan and other countries to benefit from.“
The political Maradona who noted with dismay the way the numbers have continued to rise, was optimistic that the situation has been kept at manageable levels within the limits of the nation’s health care system.
He also thank spirited individuals, groups, and corporate entities that have supported the government at different levels with various donations.
Babangida also commended the government officials for the palliatives geared towards alleviating the pains of Nigerians as a result of the lockdown in parts of the country.
On Easter celebration, he said, “I Enjoin our Christian brethren to use the holy period of Easter to pray for the country in the COVID 19 pandemic situation, and to our Muslim ummah to use the month preceding the holy month of Ramadan to pray fervently for Allah’s mercy and reprieve in the circumstances we find ourselves.”
“We all have our roles to play collectively and there is need to observe all recommendations of NCDC and adhere strictly to directives of government on basic hygiene – wash your hands frequently with soap under running water, avoid touching your face and high-contact surfaces, and also avoiding gatherings and physical contact thus, practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” he added.
