A non-governmental group operating under the auspices of Nigerians for Change, has condemned the politicization of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) success by the political class, stressing that the political class should rather unite to fight Boko Haram insurgents and other challenges confronting the nation.
The group through its National Coordinator, Kingsley Omose, during a press conference in Lagos, commended the Federal Government for fighting the disease to a standstill, adding that the unity among all levels of government and political parties in fighting the Ebola Virus Disease wasneeded to fight Boko Haram militants.
Kingsley stated that the success in containing the EVD wasthe kind of change Nigerians are yearning for, adding further that the organisation was committed to positive change on thenation’s landscape.
He stressed that the group was dismayed by the discordant tunes that have been coming out from some quarters regarding who was actually responsible for the success achieved in containing EVD. He condemned the act by some individuals and groups dragging politics into the Ebola success story.
“The PDP went ahead to remark that APC would have wished that the Federal Government failed in managing the EVD so that it would have something to latch on its relentless bashing of the Jonathan administration.
“We deplore the politicization of a serious national issue. These negative vibes are distractions. They are not in tandem with the convivial mood, which Nigeria should wear over the Ebola success story. We should leave politics out of this matter and say things as they are”, said Kingsley
He stressed further that the President Jonathan-led administration should take the first and major credit for the containment of Ebola in the country, adding that anybody disputing it is mischievous and uncharitable.
“The efforts of the government through the Minister of Health, Prof. OnyebuchiChukwu, were there for all to see. Denying them is like pouring water on stone. It will be of no effect.
“However, the efforts of the Lagos and Rivers State governments cannot be discountenanced. They collaborated effectively with the Federal Government in containing the scourge”, said Kinsgley
He further stated that Nigerian need to learn from the example of containing EVD through show of unity and alsobring the powerful factor to bear on tackling and defeating the Boko Haram menace which currently plagues the NorthEast of the country, adding that Boko Haram had been a calamity to the country.
