Photograph — thisdaylive.com

On Sunday, March 22, 2020, Atiku Abubakar former vice president of Nigeria and 2019 Presidential Candidate for PDP revealed that one of the sons has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Revealing this information on his verified Twitter account, Atiku affirmed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been duly informed and his son has been transferred to the Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for isolation and treatment.

As a father, he pleaded with Nigerians to have him in prayers and encouraged them to stay safe and remain cautious in this period. One of the several nationals who took to social media intending to comfort Atiku is popular Nigerian artiste, actor and aspiring politician Olubankole Wellington “ Banky W”. In a tweetWellington said: “We pray for his speedy recovery by God’s grace. Thank you for your openness. People need to know that it is a viral infection and not necessarily a death sentence. May God heal our land and keep us all.”

Similarly, Nigeria’s First Lady Aisha Buhari reacting to the news of Atiku’s son tweeted “Your Excellency, It’s with a deep sense of concern that I extend my sincere prayers towards the quick recovery of your dear son. Allah renu en Amin.” 

Bala Mohammed Governor of Bauchi State has gone into self-isolation after he made contact with Atiku’s son upon return from his international trip. In a statement released by the Governor’s office, Mohammed met with Atiku’s son in the Aero Contractors aircraft where they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Although Mohammed has not exhibited symptoms of the virus, the NCDC has asked him to remain in isolation and get tested. Currently, the blood sample of the governor has been taken and is undergoing a clinical test.

According to the NCDC, as of March 23, 2020, by 10:35 am there have been a total of 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Out of which are 33 active cases, 2 persons discharged and one recorded death. Nigeria’s first COVID-19 death was recorded to be a 67-year-old male who returned to the country following medical treatment in the United Kingdom. NCDC reported that he had underlying medical conditions such as multiple myeloma, diabetes, and was currently undergoing chemotherapy.

Most of the cases reported in the West African country were gotten either by returning Nigerians or foreigners. Nigeria has therefore placed travel restrictions on 15 countries with a high prevalence of the global pandemic, suspended its visa on arrival policy and shut down all airports in the country to international flights.

Both federal and state authorities in the country are also taking measures in response to the rapid spread of COVID-19 by shutting down schools, prohibiting large public gatherings (social and religious), and encouraging social distancing precautions for the Nigerian public. 

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