Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru Ahmad el-Rufai, has revealed how he
recovered from the deadly Coronavirus, saying he would have died if not
for his doctors, his wive, and the Kaduna state Deputy Governor, Hadiza
Balarabe.
Rufai tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday, March 28, 2020, but announced three weeks later he had recovered fom the virus after testing negative twice.
According to El Rufai, the disease is no respecter of persons as he
got the virus despite the huge security presence around him. He said he
had to obey medical instructions, take his drugs while his phones were
seized from him.
Speaking about his experience in Kaduna on Wednesday, he said to
reporters: ‘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.”
