By ONYEKACHI EZE

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation on the situation in the Presidential Villa, in relation to the coronavirus pandemic.

The party said this is to douse public anxiety following reports that Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari, had tested positive to the virus.

PDP noted in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, that though President Buhari reportedly tested negative to the virus, “it is yet imperative that he douses public tension by addressing a distressed nation on the status of the villa, especially given that other officials, like Abba Kyari, had travelled to high-risk countries in the course of their duties.”

The party added that an address on the situation in the presidential villa would further douse public concerns about the status of certain key officials, who have not been visible in the last few days.

PDP stated that Nigerians, no matter how highly placed, should strictly adhere to directives by relevant agencies of government on health safety measures, particularly as they relate to isolation of persons returning from foreign trips.

The party urged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant agencies “to adopt stringent measures to isolate and monitor persons coming into the country as well as track and equally isolate those who had made contact with infected persons.

“In this regard, the NCDC should move into the Presidential Villa and immediately track and isolate all those who had made contact with president Buhari’s Chief of Staff, so as to check further spread of COVID-19 in our country.”

It, however, called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and observe all health safety directives, “including social distances, self-isolation, personal hygiene and prompt report for medical assistance in the case of any symptoms.”

The party expressed optimism that with a concerted effort by all Nigerians, the nation will overcome the pandemic. (New Telegraph)

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