Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has called on the federal government of Nigeria to suspend flights to and from countries with prevalent cases of coronavirus as the world struggles to contain the deadly disease.
Speaking via his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku, however, stated that Nigerian citizens should be the only ones allowed back into the country no matter their status.
He wrote:
Two weeks ago, when #Nigeria recorded its index case of the #coronavirus, I had cause to urge the Federal Government to restrict flights from nations with a high prevalence of the Coronavirus plague. This is in line with global best practices.
This is a patriotic call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to take every reasonable step to protect the citizens of Nigeria, by temporarily suspending flights to and from such countries, until we build up our ability to contain the coronavirus.
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Our borders should, however, be open to Nigerian citizens, regardless of their status.
Despite the commendable efforts of our patriotic health officials, it will be recalled that to date, we are yet to identify and or locate multiple passengers who flew in with the index case from Italy. They could be anywhere.
We must, therefore, err on the side of caution. We cannot afford to broaden the possibility of future infections.
The economic impact of a widespread infestation of the virus in Nigeria will be catastrophic and will affect our national security, and status as Africa’s leading economy.
The ravages of this scourge, which has officially been classified as a global pandemic, must not be allowed to test our already fragile economy.
I urge that every political & any other differences be put aside. On my part, I am first a Nigerian, & I am willing & ready to work with anybody, at anytime, at whatever cost, to ensure the safety of this country, which is the only country we have to call our home, & her peoples.
We must act now. We must put Nigeria and her citizens first. We must ensure that our national policy is deliberately tailored to protect our most excellent national resource, the great Nigerian people.
May God bless Nigeria. -AA
Two weeks ago, when #Nigeria recorded its index case of the #coronavirus, I had cause to urge the Federal Government to restrict flights from nations with a high prevalence of the Coronavirus plague. This is in line with global best practices.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 12, 2020
Our borders should, however, be open to Nigerian citizens, regardless of their status.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 12, 2020
We must, therefore, err on the side of caution. We cannot afford to broaden the possibility of future infections.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 12, 2020
The ravages of this scourge, which has officially been classified as a global pandemic, must not be allowed to test our already fragile economy.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) March 12, 2020
