By Dipo Olowookere
Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Atiku Abubakar, has confirmed that his son has tested positive for the ravaging coronavirus disease.
As at Sunday, March 22, 2020, the federal government confirmed that 30 persons have been infected with the pandemic in Nigeria after eight new cases were recorded yesterday, most of them had travel history to highly affected countries in Europe and the United States. Out of the 30 cases, two have recovered, with no single death.
The politician, who had before now asked government of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to close the borders and take measures to protect the economic well being of the nation and people, confirmed on Sunday night that his son has tested positive for COVID-19.
According to him, officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have been informed of the development and his son taken to the Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management.
Mr Atiku, a former Vice President of Nigeria under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo from 1999 to 2007, has urged Nigerians to remember his family in their prayers.
“My son has tested positive to coronavirus.
“NCDC has been duly informed, and he has been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management.
“I will appreciate it if you have him in your prayers. Stay safe, coronavirus is real,” Mr Atiku said via his verified Twitter page.
In order to curtail the virus, government has shutdown schools and has asked some workers, especially in Lagos, to work from home. Large gatherings have also been suspended.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Adedapo Adesanya