An advocacy group, Kwara Advancement Initiative (KAI) has urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to emulate his colleagues by submitting himself for the Coronavirus test, saying this will let him know his status.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Yahaya Arikewuyo, the group said this becomes necessary in view of the governor’s exposure to some government officials who have contracted the deadly disease.
Some of the government officials who Governor Abdulrazaq recently had contact with and that have tested positive to COVID-19 are Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, Governor Mohammed Bala of Bauchi, his Kaduna State counterpart, Mallam Nasir El Rufai and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
“In lieu of the fact that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq had recent contact with some Government officials who have been confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus, we call on him to submit his samples for COVID-19 test, as this is the only way he can know and be sure of his current status.
“The Governor was at the National Economic Council meeting. He also attended a meeting of the Nigerian Governors Forum as well as the meeting of APC governors with President Buhari. These meetings were also attended by some individuals who have now been confirmed infected with the ravaging disease.
“Moreover, many of the governors who also attended these meetings and several other top government functionaries including President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, governors of Ekiti, Kaduna, Osun, Edo, Kogi, Bauchi Oyo, among other notable figures had subjected themselves to the test and publicly declared their status. This is being vigilant and precautionary. This is leadership.
“Therefore, Governor Abdulrazaq is advised to toe their path by going for the test and make public his result. This is very important at this stage considering the fact that many of his aides, friends and other government officials in Kwara have come in contact with him and could have been possibly exposed to the disease,” the group said.
KAI also commended the State government for measures that have been put in place to contain the spread of the virus in Kwara State. The group also thanked individuals and groups who have provided relief materials for needy Kwarans to lessen the burden this lockdown period has placed on them.
“We also call on residents of the State to adhere to all directives given by the State government as we continue to fight this menace. Wash your hands constantly. Apply hand sanitisers. Use hand gloves and nose guards. And more importantly, let’s stay home and safe.”