Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir ei Rufai, has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, he issued and also recorded on video, he said:
“Earlier this week, I submitted a sample for the Covid-19 test. The result came in this evening, and I regret to say that it is positive.
“According to the protocols for managing Covid-19, I am in self-isolation as required by the case management guidelines of the NCDC for a someone that is not showing symptoms.
“I wish to appeal to the people of Kaduna State to continue to closely observe the preventive measures already announced.
“It is most important that everybody should do their utmost to stay safe, stay home and stay alive.
“The Deputy Governor is chairing our Covid-19 Taskforce and will continue to issue statements from time to time.”
The Kaduna Governor becomes the second sitting governor to test positive after Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, who is currently in isolation.
Earlier on Saturday, the Kaduna State Government announced it had arrested two clerics for conducting Friday congregational prayers in two communities of Kaduna North local government area, in violation of the curfew imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan who disclosed this at a press conference on Saturday, named the culprits as Malam Aminu Umar Usman and Malam Umar Shangel, from Malali and Unguwan Kanawa respectively.
The commissioner said that their conduct violated government orders as well as advice given by leaders of faith, adding that the clerics will be prosecuted accordingly.
Aruwan reiterated that government expects compliance with the quarantine orders, which imposed curfew in the entire state ‘’and will continue to enforce them.’’
The commissioner further warned that ‘’security agencies will enforce government orders and uphold the 24 hour curfew, until further notice. Those who seek to defy the directives stand the risk of arrest and prosecution.’’
‘’It should be clear that the inconveniences associated with the preventive measures, while regretted, are nothing compared to the suffering and deaths that coronavirus will cause if it is allowed to get here and spread,’’ he argued.
The Kaduna State Government commends ‘’citizens that are abiding by the terms of the quarantine imposed on the state as a preventive measure against Covid-19,’’ he said.
‘’The state government is especially grateful to religious and community leaders who have joined in appealing to the public to abide by public health warnings.
‘’However, government has also sadly noted that certain individuals, including clerics, are violating the restriction of movement, large gatherings, trading and congregational prayers,’’ he noted.
According to the commissioner, such violations are ‘’ patently illegal and irresponsible conduct, at a time that requires sober and rational conduct to protect our people from coronavirus.’’