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General News of Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

El-rufai narrates how he survived coronavirus

Nasir El-Rufai Nasir El-Rufai

Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna State has narrated how he was able to survive COVID-19 which he contracted a few weeks ago.

El-rufai stated that he was able to survive the virus thanks to his doctors, his wife, and the Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe.

The governor also hinted at contracting the virus while in Abuja where he met and interacted with many people, some from overseas.

He said, ‘I could have died if not for my doctors. I followed their instructions strictly and took my medications. My wives collaborated with Dr Hadiza, the Deputy Governor and seized my phones while in isolation. I was only left with an iPad, the device I used to read and go online.

“I can’t exactly say how I contracted the coronavirus. But I was in Abuja and had interacted with many people, some from overseas. I was assigned to chair committees by the government. I believe it was from these interactions that I got the virus.

“It’s a good coincidence that we have Dr Hadiza as our deputy governor and Dr Baloni who was with UNICEF for over 20 years and knows much about public health. We are glad and lucky to have them, especially during this pandemic.”

“Despite the security around me, I got the virus. This goes to show that the virus does not recognise any personality.” On why he returned to his clean shave looks, he said: “I’m truly ageing. I’m a few steps above 60 and this disease is not kind to the old. I’m old. That is the danger. If one is above 50, one should be very careful not to contract the virus.

“To an aged person with other health complications like diabetes, hypertension, coronavirus will be very deadly.”

“When I came out from isolation, I intended to leave my beard because it was the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, (May the peace and blessings of Allah be with him). But as I visited my mother to greet her, she was against my new look. “She asked me to shave. According to her, my father was not bearded during his lifetime.

“I had no option but to shave my beard because I want to live peacefully with my mother.”