Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has called for synergy between federal and state governments in the fight against COVID-19, saying there should be no room for blame game.
The former Nigerian leader, in a statement made available to Journalists yesterday in Minna, said the experience of worst hit countries like China, Taiwan, among others should afford Nigeria the lessons to tackle the pandemic.
He said, “I wish to use this opportunity to commend governments both at states and federal levels on the efforts so far made towards managing the spread of COVID 19 in Nigeria.
“Although the numbers keep rising, the situation is still being kept at manageable levels within the limits of our health care system. However, these gains need to be sustained with enforcement of appropriate and consistent social distancing prescription for effective prevention of further spread of the pandemic.“
“It is time for synergy between federal government efforts and that of states where 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.
“There is no room for blame game now but concerted support by all Nigerians and I commend with due regards to the professional display and wonderful efforts of our frontline medical personnel for their patriotism, resilience, sacrifice and commitment to this fight of eradicating COVID-19.“
While saluting the courage of individuals, groups and corporate entities for supporting governments at various levels, he commended government officials for various palliatives geared towards alleviating the excruciating pains associated with the lockdown.
Babangida enjoined Christians to use the holy period of Easter to pray for the country in the COVID-19 pandemic situation, even as he urged Muslims to equally use the month preceding the holy month of Ramadan to pray fervently for Allah’s mercy and reprieve in the pandemic circumstances.
He said everybody had roles to play collectively by observing all recommendations of NCDC and adhere strictly to directives of government on basic hygiene
The former leader said, “Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water, avoid touching your face & high-contact surfaces and also avoiding gatherings & physical contact thus Practice social distancing to prevent spread of the COVID 19.“