TheCable

Tajudeen Yusuf, a member house of representatives from Kogi, says the state government must accept the reality of COVID-19 in the state.

Last week, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed two cases in Kogi but the state government rejected the results, insisting that it is COVID-19 free.

One of the two cases of COVID-19 is Ahmad Ejibunu, chief imam of Kabba.

Ejibunu is believed to have contracted the disease in the state.

In a statement on Sunday, the lawmaker said the family of imam deserved commendation for not covering up COVID-19 status of Ejibunu.

“The people of Kabba, also known as the Owe people of Okunland in Kogi state feel proud of our chief Imam and members of his family,” he said.

“What is now left is for the state government to accept the ugly reality of COVID-19 in Kogi state so that the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant bodies can swiftly commence efforts to help nip the problem in the bud.

“It is foolhardy to assume that any state has territorial invincibility against Covid-19 which has become a threat to all parts of the world, including the Vatican and the holy city of Mecca; the USA which has some of the world’s best medical systems has lost more than 100, 000 lives, so in Kogi where the number of available hospital beds and other resources are limited, our best chance is to prevent a dangerous spread.

“The Nigerian Medical Association in Kogi state has objectively expressed deep concerns, with suggestions for the Federal Government to set up a testing center at the Army barracks or any other secure place within Lokoja and as we speak, there is strong likelihood that a few Kogites may have become positive while a few could be asymptomatic or een, healed without being aware.

“While it is likely that NCDC’s approach towards the state may not be perfect, now we should all rise beyond the divides of politics, faith and ethnicity and I join my voice to that of all concerned citizens calling for united and effective war against Covid-19 so that all men, women and children of Kogi state can live long and productive lives without undue mourning.”

Yusuf said an individual testing positive for the disease is not a death sentence.

“We must note too that even being positive is not the same thing as a death sentence because out of 9, 302 confirmed cases as at yesterday, 2,697 cases have been discharged and 261 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.