Chidoka commends action against COVID-19, backs extension of lockdown
Chief Osita Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation, has congratulated Nigerians for their efforts in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic in the country.
Chidoka said this in his Easter message where he called on all Nigerians, both Christians and Muslims, to embrace and exhibit the love Christ exemplified for us through his sufferings and resurrection towards one another.
The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain said the lockdown has been effective in checking the spread of the pandemic despite the obvious challenges of hunger, deprivation and worsening economic conditions.
He said the lockdown should be extended for more effective containment of the virus especially as there was no known cure for it at the moment.
“I want to thank everyone for the effort so far in adhering to the lockdown. I also want to remind everybody that it is not yet time to relax the restrictions as lessons from other countries have shown that a single asymptomatic infected person can spread the disease to thousands.
“This was the case in the funeral in Albany, Georgia where the virus spread from one person who showed no symptom of the disease to over 200 people in that single gathering.
“So, opening the churches for Easter service will endanger more people and that will not reflect the love and sacrifice that Easter symbolises, in spite the challenges of the lockdown, it is still a sure way to flatten the curve of the virus.”
“Since we have already started, this is not yet time to call off the lockdown, Icall on state governors and all other stakeholders to come together to encourage us in this season of sacrifice like Christ did on Good Friday,” he said.
Chidoka urged Nigerians to sacrifice for the health and wellbeing of each other adding that it is out of great love that Christ came to the earth to suffer and save us.
He said though the economy was bad for all Nigerians, it was still important that they continue to demonstrate love.
He enjoined everyone to support the vulnerable in the society by extending food and financial support to cushion the negative impact of the lockdown.
“As such, Nigerians, like all people of goodwill are called upon to reciprocate that same act of love and selflessness to others.
“Let us still maintain social distance, stay home and use all the virtual means to communicate. We can not afford to congregate in this season.
“At this time we should practice physical distancing but maintain spiritual nearness,” he said.
Newsmonitor reports that Anambra on Friday April 10 recorder its confirmed case of COVID-19
