The Nigeria Union of Journalists has slammed the federal government for inviting a team of Chinese doctors to assist in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
It would be recalled that government had earlier concluded the arrangement that would ensure the arrival of the Chinese medical experts in the country as soon as possible.
But, in a statement signed by NUJ’s National President, Chris Isiguzo and the body’s National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, NUJ questioned the motive behind the move.
NUJ noted that “Nigerian doctors are doing exceptionally well in fighting the outbreak” and warned “that it will be counter-productive to bring in Chinese doctors”.
“While some have applauded the way and manner China contained the virus in Wuhan- the only Chinese city to be so affected, we hasten to note that there is more to this charade than is being let out by the Chinese authorities, and we reject a situation where Nigeria will be used as a Guinea pig for any experiment”.
“It is pertinent to plead with the Federal Government to stop this Medical team from coming to Nigeria because of the Italian example where there was an inexplicable spike in Covid 19 related deaths when the Chinese doctors arrived the country”.
However, Dr Garba Abari, National Orientation Agency (NOA), had on Saturday explained to the general public that the government was not importing the Chinese medical experts to directly take charge of the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
NUJ argued that the federal government “should as a matter of urgent concern investigate the allegation that what is happening today is associated with the launching of the 5G communication network, as Nigerians are becoming more agitated over the issue which cannot be swept under the carpet”.
However, Federal government, on Saturday allayed fears of the citizens on 5G network.
In a statement personally signed by Isa Ibrahim Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and made available to KAFTAN Post, government explained that the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) is yet to release any bulk frequency for the deployment of 5G in the country.
Isa Ibrahim Pantami explained further that license is yet to be issued for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria.
“A 3-month study trial commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria”
“As part of the study trial process, I directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial”
“The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing”.
Federal government assured Nigerians that as much as the country is desirable for technological advancement, it would not be done “at the expense of the health and welfare” of Nigerians.
Read the Minister’s Full Statement Below
The attention of my office has been drawn to the public concern about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria.
Based on available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify as follows:
i. The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which I am the Chairman, has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G;
ii. No license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country;
iii. A 3-month study trial commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria;
iiii. As part of the study trial process, I directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial; and
v. The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.
His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians.
As such, our desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of our citizens.
Government will not act on the speculations only, but rather we will take an informed decision on 5G after due consultation with experts and the public.
I have also directed the NCC to engage citizens on any questions or concerns they may have regarding 5G.
I wish to thank the general public for reaching out to us on this issue.
We advise you all to remain rest assured that government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology.
Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami),
FNCS, FBCS, FIIM,
Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
