There appears to be growing fears among the elites in Nigeria as the country’s coronavirus cases near a grim landmark 25,000.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on Sunday night, confirmed that Africa’s most populous nation now has 24, 567 infections after a fresh 490 cases.
As of the time of reporting, 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory have recorded at least a case of the disease. Only one state, Cross River, is yet to officially report any case of the virus.
“Till date, 24, 567 cases have been confirmed, 9, 007 cases have been discharged and 565 deaths have been recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” the NCDC stated.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria in February, NCDC said 130,164 samples have so far been tested.
As of the time of reporting, there are 14,995 active cases of COVID-19 in the country, while 9,007 have recovered and have been discharged.
The latest figure, though, a sharp decline from 779 reported on Saturday, the fatalities has continued to climb with another seven.
This is causing panic in the country, especially among some prominent persons as perceived VIPs casualties surge.
Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, had last month, lamented that educated and well-to-do Nigerians constitute many of the fatalities from COVID-19 in Nigeria.
“A disturbing picture emerging from statistics is that not only are most fatalities observed to be linked with preexisting diseases, many are educated, well-to-do people, who chose home-based care, where they develop sudden complication and have to be rushed to hospital,” he said.
And rightly so.
Nigeria’s first identified coronavirus fatality involved a former Managing Director of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Suleiman Achimugu in March.
The 67-year-old returned from the UK following medical treatment for multiple myeloma and diabetes, and was undergoing chemotherapy.
However, it was the death of Ex-Chief of Staff to President, Abba Kyari, one month later that sent a shockwave and warning signal to the elites. He too had several underlying condition, including diabetes.
Kyari’s demise opened a new chapter in the country’s war with the rampaging contagion, forcing several politicians and supposed VIPs to sit up and take notice.
In May, Ola, younger wife of Oladipo Diya, a retired army general and second in command to late former head of state, Sani Abacha, also died of COVID-19 complications in a private hospital in Lagos.
The same month, Immedaite past Group General Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru, followed.
Just a little over a week ago, Senator Bayo Osinowo, popularly known as Pepper, who represented Lagos East at the National Assembly, died.
The fatalities have cut across all faecets of life; politics, business and entertainment.
The director of finance in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ibanga Etang, passed early in June.
Then Nigeria-based African American popular radio presenter and broadcaster, Dan Foster, bowed to the disease.
Ex-Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi is the latest high-profile Nigerian to succumb to the virus that has consumed almost 600 Nigerians.
And like others, Ajimobi had an underlying health issue; hypertension.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 is expected to present its updated report on the national response efforts to President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday.
The task force is expected to present its assessment of the level of compliance by Nigerians to the regulations and guidelines as well as give him recommendations for the next stage of national response.
It would be recalled that while speaking during last Thursday’s press briefing, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the PTF, reminded the nation the second phase of the eased lockdown, which took off from June 1, would be ending at the weekend.
He also said the PTF would be approaching President Muhammadu Buhari to submit its assessment of the success or otherwise of the national response efforts as well as giving him their recommendations.
He urged Nigerians to await the next step in the fight against the virus.
While the number of infected cases keep increasing daily, Nigerians had been clamouring for reopening of activities and total removal of restrictions and lockdowns, especially with respect to schools and interstate travel.
