The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has tested positive for the coronavirus disease.
He announced this in a video posted on his verified Twitter handle on Saturday evening.
He said, “earlier this week, I submitted a sample for the COVID-19 test. The result came in this evening, and I regret to say that it is positive.”
“According to the protocols for managing COVID-19, I am in self-isolation as required by the case management guidelines of the NCDC for someone that is not showing symptoms.
“I wish to appeal to the people of Kaduna State to continue to closely observe the preventive measures already announced.
“It is most important that everybody should do their utmost to stay safe, stay home and stay alive”.
Moreover, eight new cases of the #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 89.
The Nigeria Center For Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed this on Saturday, noting that seven of the cases are in Lagos while one is in Benue State.
While there is currently no known cure for the virus, the rising number of cases across the country has prompted state governments to gradually shut down activities, impose curfews and force residents to stay indoors to reduce person-to-person contact which has been said to increase the spread of the virus.
It has also spurred reactions from Nigerians over the President’s lack of public briefings on efforts to curb the pandemic.
However, the Presidency on Saturday tweeted a video and pictures showing President Muhammadu Buhari meeting with the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu at the State House.
The minister and the NCDC boss were said to have briefed the President on their activities and efforts towards preventing the spread of COVID-19 across the country.
The meeting held amid reports that the presidential villa has been on partial lockdown after an aide of the President tested positive for coronavirus and is currently being treated at a secure location, according to the Minister of Health.
Meanwhile, the president’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, has defended the President’s lack of regular briefing by saying it is “a matter of style.”