COVID-19: We Do Not Need Chinese Doctors – TUC

L-R: Chairperson, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Comrade Afusatu Shaibu, Treasurer, Comrade Yunusa Muhammed, Deputy Gen. Secretary, Comrade Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal, President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, 1st Deputy President, Comrade Bola-Audu Innocent, 2nd Deputy President, Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye and Ex-Officio, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama during the National Executive Council (NEC) of Congress in Lagos recently.

By UDO ONYEKA

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to drop the idea of inviting Chinese medical doctors to help combat the dreaded Covid 19 – a virus that has claimed many lives all over the world.

The workers body in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Quadri Olaleye and Secretary, Comrade Musa- Lawal Ozigi said the move wouldn’t be necessary since Nigerian doctors are on top of the challenge.

It said: ” As an organisation we sincerely appreciate the Chinese authorities for releasing their doctors and some of their best hands despite the catastrophic effect the virus had on the country recently.

” However, it is important to state here that the minimal number of people infected and deaths is a proof that we are not doing badly in our effort to handle the situation.

” Truly the Chinese authorities have done well by not recording more cases in their country. It is novel and also shows their proactiveness and commitment to crises. That notwithstanding, we insist that we do not need them now; rather we shall continue to adhere to the precautions reeled out by the health professionals to make the job easy”, TUC said.

TUC also noted the debate about the connection between 5G network and coronavirus, saying although the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim in a statement has said “no licence has been issued as regards 5G in Nigeria” but a claim by a Telco Company notifying Nigerians that they are the first in West Africa to conduct trial on 5G technology becomes confusing.

TUC said it would want the Federal Government to set up a Committee of Professionals to research on the development as it will help to address the fears of many Nigerians, adding that “we must collectively work to ensure the welfare, health and security of Nigerians are not taken for granted”, TUC said.