By Akanimo Sampson
The rampaging coronavirus does not appear to be in a hurry to slow down pretty too soon in Nigeria.
That seems to be the case because positive cases in the country are busy racing upward on a daily basis. As of 11.20 p.m on April 15, a total of 407 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Nigeria.
While the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that made this known says there are 34 new confirmed cases in the country, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State is yet to test negative of the deadly virus.
NCDC, however, points out that 128 cases have been successfully treated and discharged with 12 deaths recorded in Nigeria.
A breakdown of the 34 fresh cases shows that Lagos, the commercial capital of Nigeria is still on the lead with 18 cases, now followed with Kano’s 12, two in Katsina, while Niger and Delta have one new case each.
The number of states with confirmed cases still stands at 19, and FCT, Abuja.
In the meantime, Governor el-Rufai says he has not yet been cured of the virus, pointing out that new test results so far still confirm his positive status
The governor said on Wednesday on Twitter that the negative condition did not stop him from presiding over the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting through video conferencing.
Governor El-Rufai personally made public his positive coronavirus status on Saturday, March 28, 2020, through a video posted on his verified twitter handle.
The governor who happens to be the first confirmed case in the North-West is urging the people of Kaduna to ignore fake news over his health status.
According to him, he will personally make public the information after being cleared of the disease by the relevant health authorities in the country.
“Earlier today (Wednesday), between 10 a.m and 2 p.m, I took a few hours during my isolation and chaired a virtual meeting of the State Executive Council.
“I have not been cleared of COVID-19 yet. I will personally announce when I am confirmed negative. Please ignore all fake news even if they are what you wish for”, he says.
He is full of appreciation for his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, members of his cabinet for keeping the state running in the trying times of his physical absence from office.
“I am grateful to our team ably led by the deputy governor for keeping the agenda going without me. I am super proud of all our commissioners, advisers, assistants, security agencies and other state government officials for a job well done,” Governor el-Rufai says.
