Former President Olusegun Obasanjo commented on the current outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country. He said it was “devilish enough that Patrick Sawyer in connivance with some Liberian authorities,” imported ‘the evil’ to Nigeria.
Obasanjo made this statement in the afternoon of August 30, 2014, during a talk on ‘An afternoon with Obasanjo’ programme organised by Inside Watch Africa continental magazine, published by Oluwaseyi Adegoke-Adeyemo.
The ex president emphasised that the virus takes both lives and economic toll. According to him, the negative effects have already started and would hit communities, the nation, West African region and sub-region.
Obasanjo is sure that the Liberian authorities knew condition of Sawyer, but still allowed him to travel.
He further urged Nigerians to observe all the prescribed safety measures, because there is still no drug which can definitely cure the disease.
“Everybody should be involved. When you see your neighbour showing unique symptoms not just the common cold or fever, take him to the clinic or doctor and we are told that when it has incubated, it becomes a problem.”
The former leader of the country revealed he discussed the current crisis with the Presidents of Sierra-Leone, Ghana and Liberia. He is also sure that partnership with the World Health Organisation, the European Union and the United States is essential for defeating the EVD.
Obasanjo is sure that the global community should not see Ebola as just a burden of West Africa, but more like and international threat and burden.
Therefore, he urged pharmaceutical giants of the world to intensify research efforts towards providing either vaccine or curative drugs for the virus.
Saturday’s event was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), in the capital city of Ogun State, Abeokuta.
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