Chinedum Treasure
The Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central, Ven. Tochukwu Ikezue has accused the APC-led Federal Government of playing politics with the health and lives of Nigerians over what he described as the secrecy surrounding a reported Ebola case in the country.
Ikezue made the allegation while addressing newsmen during a Labour Party grassroots mobilisation meeting at Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He said the federal government owed Nigerians full disclosure on the reported case, warning that secrecy over matters of public health could fuel panic, speculation and distrust.
“We should not play politics with the health of over 200 million Nigerians,” Ikezue declared.
He questioned why details surrounding the reported patient had not been made public, including the identity and nationality of the patient, her travel history, treatment location and the persons who may have come in contact with her.
According to him, the situation contrasted sharply with Nigeria’s handling of the 2014 Ebola outbreak under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Ikezue recalled that Nigeria publicly identified Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American who was the index case in the country, adding that Nigerians were informed about his travel history and treatment at First Consultants Hospital, Obalende, Lagos.
He also paid tribute to the late Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, who died after treating Sawyer, describing her as a hero whose sacrifice helped protect the country from a wider outbreak.
“Everything was open. Nigerians were informed and protected,” he said.
Ikezue expressed concern over what he described as conflicting information surrounding the current situation, saying Uganda had reportedly stated that it had no active Ebola case and no record of exporting the disease.
He said the alleged lack of transparency could have serious consequences for public confidence, investment, tourism and national security, while also creating room for speculation and international embarrassment.
The LP candidate further questioned reports that the Senate was seeking emergency funding in connection with the Ebola situation, arguing that Nigerians deserved to know the facts before public funds were committed.
He demanded immediate transparency from the federal government, asking authorities to disclose the identity of the patient, her country of origin, where she was being treated, the number of identified contacts and the actual status of the situation.
“You cannot lead 200 million people with propaganda and secrecy when it comes to public health,” Ikezue said.
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