Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to stop wasting “limited
testing kits” on political office holders and government officials.
In a press release on Thursday signed by its Director of Media and
Publicity, Comrade O’Seun John, the organization said the unchecked
usage of the scarce testing kits for COVID-19 on government officials
and politicians is appalling and a disservice to common Nigerian who
deserve to be truly tested.
According to AIED, “We have noticed with utmost dismay the unending
wastage of scarce testing kits for COVID-19 on politicians and political
office holders at the detriment of the masses.
“We find this endeavour as a disservice to the people of Nigeria who
should be the primary focus of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
and the Ministry of Health.
“From several reports, the NCDC conducts an average of two tests on
Governors, Senators, House of Representatives and Assembly members, the
Chief of Staff to the President, amongst many influential figures in the
corridors of power.
“These individuals have been solely responsible for the decades of decay
and backwardness our health care system is facing. They stood aloof and
budgeted billions of naira for frivolous expenses while the citizens
suffer in penury, they do not deserve to enjoy the benefits from
magnanimous philanthropists who have inconvenient themselves to help
Nigerians.
“It is also on record that most, if not all, of the cases recorded or
perceived in the corridors of power, have been caused by the sheer
refusal to submit to simple emergency protocols and checks at the
Airports. Nigerians should not then be the ones suffering for the ego
and pride of these few ones.
“While we acknowledge that not every Nigerian will get tested for
COVID-19, it is extremely important that these testing kits are kept
safely for the primary use of the average Nigerian.
“The present statistics of less than 200 individuals who have received
testing from the NCDC is disgraceful for a population of almost 200
million people. NCDC must channel its resources on improving the testing
rates for Nigerians.
“The NCDC should leave the politicians alone and focus on Nigerians who
are more in number and at a greater risk. If any politician feels the
need to get tested, such politician can charter a flight to Europe, Asia
or America where they get their routine medical check-up, ” the
statement read.