Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state; has declared that the
coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; is war situation requiring ‘supreme
sacrifice’ to survive the invisible enemy.
Zulum made the declarations Wednesday in statewide broadcast to the
people at Government House, Maiduguri.
He said there must be solidarity of people and organisations to
survive COVID-19 that claimed over a dozen lives in the state.
“In Borno, we have shown the much expected resilience and perseverance
just as we did during the decade long Boko Haram insurgency.
“We had to completely suspend all our socioeconomic activities to
remain safe at home during insurgency that also claimed many lives and
property,” he said.
Continuing; “The last four weeks has been a period of great trial for
us in the state.
“We lost some of our great elder statesmen and leaders, scholars and
illustrious sons.
“They include; his eminence the Shehu of Bama, Shehu Kyari, His
Excellency, the former Governor of Borno, Alhaji Mohammed Goni,
Galadima Modu Sheriff, Hon. Wakil Bukar Lawan, Goni Modu Kolo, Goni
Habib among others.
“We express our appreciation to all for the concern and solidarity in
this our trying period.
“May God in his infinite mercy forgive all their shortcomings and give
the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost.
While lamenting lockdown, Zulum said: “It has not been easy to find
ourselves locked down in our homes under strenuous weather conditions
and for most of us observing the Ramadan.
“Most of our people are either peasant farmers, petty traders or
menial workers that must go out on daily basis to enable them make
purchases of basic needs of life.”
He warned that life will be unbearable for most of our people under a
total lockdown condition.
According to him, the situation is not easy even with the average and
well-to-do in the society.
He said that in Borno, the people have shown the much expected
resilience and perseverance; as during the decade long Boko Haram
insurgency.
While speaking on COVID-19 palliatives, he said: “We have put in place
a machinery for the distribution of food items as part of the
palliative measures to cushion the effect of the lockdown policy,”
adding that the response team led by Deputy Governor, Umara Kadafur,
commenced the distribution and not to be partisan in distribution of
palliatives.
On disease fight support, he said: “We’ve received support from the
Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Northeast Development
Commission (NEDC), and other well spirited organisations like Dangote
Foundation.
“We’ll continue to work with all Stakeholders in bringing succour
improve people’s lives; while we handle the threats of the infectious
disease that claimed over a dozen lives
“We must salute all medical and health workers for the sacrifices and
bravery with which they discharge their duties in saving people’s
lives.
“I specially commend the management of the University of Maiduguri
Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and the State COVID-19 response team for
their good work,” noting that their shortcomings as alleged, will be
addressed.
