APC slams PDP for seeking political gains with COVID-19

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed disgust over what it described as ‘crass irresponsibility’ on the part of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to play politics and seek political gains with the outbreak of Corona virus, warning that it affects every Nigerian irrespective of political affiliation.
APC also commended 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 to contain the virus from spreading across the country.
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party said 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.
He said this feat has also been recognised and commended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a news conference for an update on the global outbreak.
“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”, the statement from APC said.
The party said this is a time when real patriots put in their own positive shifts, in conjunction with the government, adding that it is not a time to spread fear and rumour.
It therefore called on all Nigerians to ignore people seeking to create panic through fake news, saying that all should rely only on the official sources of information on the coronavirus
“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 health minister, 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”, the statement said.