COVID-19 KOGI SAGA: NMA asks Buhari to issue order of “unfettered access” for NCDC in The State

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, on Friday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to issue an order of unfettered access for Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to carry out COVID-19 tests in Kogi State.

According to NMA, Kogi State’s refusal to allow NCDC work in the state had ensured that Kogi people remain in the dark, untested; posing a risk to the entire nation as it shares borders with 11 other states.

In a statement by the President of NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile, and Secretary-General, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, NMA accused the Kogi State government of resisting NCDC’s efforts to ensure that citizens of the state are tested for COVID-19, to the association’s greatest dismay.

The union of medical doctors said: “The attitude of the Kogi State government is both ignorantly meddlesome and irresponsible. It is a demonstration of undisguised hatred against the people it swore to protect and nurture.

“The Association, therefore, appeals to President Muhammadu Buhari to call the state governor and his officials to order immediately.

“He may issue an order granting unfettered access and protection to NCDC officials into Kogi State and do all that is necessary to contain COVID-19, which we believe is gaining a serious foothold in the state.

“This order may include citing testing facilities in the Army Barracks or any secured location free from the encumbrances posed by the state government.

“This advisory has become necessary even as the nation is considering the further easing of the lockdown, given the fact that Kogi State has borders with 11 other states of the Federation and Lokoja, the state capital, a significant road transport interchange

Vanguard