Buhari Breaks Silence On Coronavirus In Nigeria, Warns Against Panic

President Muhammadu Buhari has spoken for the first time on the confirmation of Nigeria’s first case of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Buhari’s reaction came after the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) criticized him for failing to stand up to his responsibilities by speaking to Nigerians on the confirmation of COVID-19 in the country.

Nigeria’s first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on Friday. The virus was detected in an Italian who arrived in the country on February 25 and tested positive for the deadly virus.

The PDP had said it was “absolute leadership failure” that the president was yet to speak or show concern by “directly addressing a panic-stricken nation even in the face of escalated national trepidation and conflicting reports.”

But speaking in a statement issued by his senior media assistant on Sunday night, Buhari said he was saddened by the incident of Coronavirus in the country.

The president said the spread of COVID-19 into the country, “was despite the ardent efforts of the government regarding preparedness and response measures put in place in our country’s borders and beyond.”

While commending the ministry of health and other relevant agencies for the detection and prompt response to control the virus, PresIdent Buhari urged Nigerians not to panic, saying “undue alarm would do us more harm than good.”

Buhari said, “Instead, Nigerians should strictly observe the advisories disseminated by the Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation (WHO), on the best way to prevent infection.”