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COVID-19: Stop wasting test kits on politicians, group tells NCDC

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A non-governmental organisation, Advocacy for Integrity and Economic Development, has urged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to stop “wasting limited test kits” on political office holders and government officials amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The group, in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Seun John, on Thursday, said the unchecked usage of the scarce test kits for COVID-19 on government officials and politicians was appalling and a disservice to common Nigerians, who deserved to be truly tested.

The statement read in part, “We have noticed with utmost dismay the unending wastage of scarce testing kits for COVID-19 on politicians and political officeholders at the detriment of the masses.

“We find this endeavour a disservice to the people of Nigeria who should be the primary focus of the NCDC and the Ministry of Health.

“From several reports, the NCDC conducts an average of two tests on governors, senators, House of Representatives and state assembly members, and the Chief of Staff to the President, among many influential figures in the corridors of power.”

According to the group, the political officeholders are solely responsible for the decades of decay and backwardness of the country’s health care system.

“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 inconvenienced themselves to help Nigerians.

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“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 test kits are kept safely for the primary use of the average Nigerian,” it said.

It added that the statistics by the NCDC of ”less than 200 individuals” who have received tests was disgraceful for a population of almost 200 million people.

The group noted that the NCDC must channel its resources towards 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 said.

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