Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed has said that he is doing select in isolation with no symptoms of any adverse effect of the coronavirus.

The Governor stated this while replying a message sent to him by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara.

The Governor is currently in isolation in Bauchi following the shaking of hands and exchange of pleasantries with a son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during a flight in Aero Contractors Aircraft from Lagos to Abuja.

Mohammed Atiku Abubakar has since been confirmed positive by the National Center for Disease Control as being positive of the coronavirus.

Immediately the news came out, the Governor released a statement on Monday through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, saying he has gone into isolation.

Fear gripped the state when, Gidado, in another media statement made available on Tuesday, said that the Governor’s result which was one of six initial tests carried out by the Center for Disease Control (NCDC), tested positive.

He said:

“This is to inform the general public that the result of the six initial tests carried out by the Center for Disease Control on His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, his family and aides that accompanied him to Lagos is out.

“Of the six initial tests carried out, one sample was confirmed to be positive of COVID-19. The positive result happened to be that of His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State.

“At this point, it should be noted that the Governor is in self-isolation as his doctors and officials from the National Center for Disease Control have taken full charge of his quarantine.”

The Media Aide said that the Governor solicits for prayers from all and requests that all those who had contact with him or any one known to have the same medical condition to go for test immediately in order to avert further spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The Commissioner of Health in the state, Dr Aliyu Maigoro, who briefed journalists on Monday evening said members of the Governor’s family and 10 aides of the Governor who travelled with him are also in self-isolation in order to contain any fear of spreading the deadly coronavirus in the state.

An aide to the former Speaker, Turaki Hassan shared his principal’s message to the Governor and also his response on his Facebook page.

Dogara, who represents Dass/Tafawa Balewa/Bogoro Federal Constituency of Bauchi state in a message to the Governor said he tried getting across to him but failed.

He said he was in prayers for him, Abba Kyari and others who are affected by the COVID-19 disease.

Dogara’s aide quoted him as saying:

“My brother, Governor Bala Mohammed, I have tried unsuccessfully to reach you after hearing of the devastating news.

“You, Malam Abba Kyari and all those affected are in our prayers. May God take control and bring healing like he has done for many. Wishing you all quick recovery.”

In response, Governor Mohammed told Dogara that he was fine with no adverse effect of the symptoms of the disease.

He advised Bauchi state residents and Nigerians to take the pandemic seriously and follow all medical advice as well as government directives.

Mohammed said:

“Thank you very much, my brother, Right Hon Speaker for your care and concern. I appreciate a lot. I am currently ok without any adverse manifestation of the symptoms.

“I advise all my compatriots out there to take this pandemic very seriously. Stay away from unnecessary contacts, stay at home if you can, use sanitizers & masks.

“Above all,obey medical advice and Government directives. I cherish your support and prayers please.”