Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) has urged the Federal government to collaborate with the 35 states in the country to defeat coronavirus (COVID-19).
The former Nigerian leader made this known in a statement he personally signed on Sunday and made available to POLITICS NIGERIA.
According to the statement, Babangida said a strong collaboration is what is needed to tackle the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement read: “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.
“It is time for synergy between Federal Government efforts and that of states where a majority of citizens live with attendant implications for flattening the curve, increasing testing capacity and reducing the pains and we have the lesson and experiences of China, Taiwan, and other countries to benefit from.”
He also advised Nigerians to be consistent social distancing prescription of the government for effective prevention of the further spread of the pandemic.
The former military president also commended the frontline medical personnel for their patriotism, resilience, sacrifice, and commitment to the fight of eradicating COVID-19.
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,” the former military president added.
