OYOGist.com has learned that the former presidential aspirant, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has for the second time written an open letter to the federal government and invariably to President Muhammadu Buhari asking for the restriction of flights from Europe as a way to curb the pandemic of Coronavirus which is ravaging the world.
He further stated that with or without politics, that he is first a Nigerian and so would do anything to keep Nigeria and Nigerians safe from the dreadful virus. He therefore sought the federal government to do all that was necessary to ensure that the virus is kept at bay in Nigeria.
This was his tweet:
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.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
