By Adewale Sunday

Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Ejibunu, Chief Imam of Kabba, is a man loved and cherished by all in Kabba being an easy going man who have the fear of God, so no one irrespective of his or her religion or tribe would want to pray for him to experience what he might be going through now, as such there is need for all and sundry to continue to pray for him and our community in this unnecessary controversy that have enveloped the whole issue.

However, there is no gainsaying that Nigerians is not unaware of the stand-off between Kogi State and NCDC which has made the leadership of the state at loggerheads with the  opposition who believe Kogi State should have joined the league of states with recorded cases, so the people of Kabba community may not be surprised at the fact-twisting antics despite mischief of some persons.

It is no longer news that NCDC has recorded two cases of Covid-19 for Kogi State though the people of the community are not convinced of the NCDC’s claim owing to the fact that everyone knows the genesis of the man’s ill health in  recent time.

According to NCDC, Chief Imam and his son tested positive to Covid-19 making it two cases against Kogi State while in the other statement released and signed on behalf of Ejibunu family by Chief Taiye Ejibunu confirmed that it is only the man that tested positive while his son is negative, who do we now believe and where do they get the second case.

It is also a known fact that apart from being Hypertensive and Diabetic it was reported a few weeks ago that he had attended a burial ceremony where he was stung by bees which resulted in the facial problems from the sting and was taken to the Hospital. 

There is no doubt that the existence of coronavirus is real considering its devastating effect on all the facets of human life but the residents of Kabba and especially those that are close to him who witnessed the genesis of the health challenge may not agree with the claim of the NCDC since the man had not travel outside the state in the last six months.

It may not be out of place to sense conspiracy between the NCDC and some of his family members who were not in tune with Alhaji Yahaya Bello led administration in the state. If not, how will they believe a story that father and son are positive and after 24hrs, it is only the father that is positive, for a test  the NCDC  claims will produce results after 48 hours while results for some suspected cases of some people may not even return until weeks after. The speed with which the alleged Kogi index case is really amazing.

Covid-19 is real, I urge our people to continue to observe the protocol to keep our people safe.

Appreciation to the Governor for the proactive steps taken by Kogi State Government and Hon. Matthew Kolawole for his concern and consultation since the avoidable and unnecessary stirred with the muscle flexing of the NCDC.

I urge politicians not to play politics with the health of our people and not to create unnecessary panic in the community.

 
Adewale Sunday writes from Kabba

  COVID19, Kabba, Kogi State, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Ejibunu