Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru Ahmad el-Rufai, recounted his battle with the deadly Coronavirus, highlighting the crucial roles played by his doctors, his wife, and the Kaduna state Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe.
El Rufai tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday, March 28, 2020, and three weeks later, he announced his recovery from the virus after testing negative twice.
Despite the extensive security measures around him, El Rufai emphasized that the virus posed a significant threat, underscoring the need to adhere to medical advice and treatment, even as his mobile phones were confiscated during his isolation.
During a media briefing in Kaduna, he expressed gratitude to his medical team, stating, “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.”
Explaining his decision to shave his beard after recovering, El Rufai acknowledged the vulnerability of older individuals to the virus and the potential risks posed by existing health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
“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.”