By Adedapo Adesanya
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State was one of three Nigerian governors who earlier tested positive for coronavirus disease.
The others were Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. The two have fully recovered from the disease.
The good news is that Mr El-Rufai has now recovered from the virus. He tested negative for the virus after he was treated by health officials.
He was the index case in Kaduna State after testing positive on March 28, 2020.
In an announcement on Wednesday, April 22 via his official state account on Twitter, @GovKaduna, the Governor said he has now tested negative twice.
“I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results.
“I thank Almighty Allah for His grace and mercy. I also acknowledge with gratitude the massive outpouring of sympathy, prayers and public support that followed the disclosure of the infection.
“My family not only went through the trauma of potentially losing a member, but also the risk of being infected as well,” he said.
He praised the medical personnel of the state’s Ministry of Health and the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital who managed his case.
He also praised his deputy, Mrs Hadiza Balarabe, for her reassuring leadership in his absence, and also commended all the officials managing the coronavirus outbreak in the state.
“I wish to acknowledge our Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, for her reassuring leadership of our team in my absence. Our senior officials have demonstrated admirable commitment & the flexibility to provide governance in circumstances that are so different from the old normal,” he said.
Kaduna State has recorded nine cases. Five, including Mr El-Rufai, have been released, leaving the state with only four active cases.
The total number of cases in Nigeria as at today are 782 in 24 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Modupe Gbadeyanka