Osun Senator slams advocates for Buhari’s broadcast on COVID-19, says Nigeria doesn’t need it
The Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Ajibola Basiru has slaed those calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to address the nation on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, saying the President does not need to address Nigerians as the world strives to stop the spread.
The Senator during a phone interview on Rave FM, Osogbo, wondered what the fuss is about the need or otherwise of the President to address the nation on the matter, saying, “For God sake the President is not the public relation officer for the country.”
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“This is a sensitive issue, the fact that you are a president does not make you the wisest man on earth or the expert in everything,” he added.
There have been concern among a cross section of the populace as many have faulted the President’s silence since the first case of coronavirus was announced on 27 February. Many state governors have since addressed their states and also announced different measures being put in place to curb the spread of the dreaded virus.
But Bashiru argued that it was needless for the President to address the nation since the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control are providing regular updates.
“What do you want the President to say? What information do you need that is not available on the NTA or NCDC website?” Bashiru queried.
The senator, who himself is on self isolation after he recently returned from the United Kingdom, said all the necessary offices are doing their “works very excellently.”
He also debunked rumours that he has tested positive for the virus, noting that fake news and misinformation has taken over the “unfortunate development.”
Nigeria has recorded 51 cases of the coronavirus so far with Lagos having the highest cases, 32 cases, of the dreaded virus. Abuja has 10 cases while Ogun State has three cases. Oyo, Rivers, Ekiti, Bauchi and Osun States have one case each.
