The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday hailed the organised private sector and corporate bodies for responding with cash donations and other interventions in the efforts to contain and stop further spread of the coronavirus in the country.
The party also commended health workers and other public safety functionaries for their sacrifices in the fight against the pandemic, “despite lapses by the Buhari Presidency, which had failed in being visible and leading from the front” in the effort to combat the scourge.
A statement on Friday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, recalled that following it described as the lethargic approach of the Presidency, the PDP had taken up the onus in calling on corporate bodies, the organised business community, research and medical institutions as well as public-spirited individuals to immediately come to the rescue.
The party said it’s happy with the response so far received from the private sector. It urged the authorities to ensure judicious use of the resources while calling on other public-spirited organisations, groups and individuals to join in the overall effort to curtail the impact of the deadly virus in the country.
The PDP lamented President Muhammadu Buhari’s failure to demonstrate expected visibility to give hope and direction, as well as douse public apprehension.
The party added that it’s necessary for the President to act appropriately, particularly at a time the public space is awash with uncertainties regarding the status of the Presidential villa since his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari tested positive to COVID-19.
The PDP, however, urged Nigerians not to despair over President Buhari’s failure to make himself available in personally leading in the search for solution and regularly addressing the nation on the developments on issues related to the pandemic, like other world leaders have been doing.
The party expressed optimism that despite such manifest leadership failure at this critical time, the nation will definitely overcome the challenge with brotherliness and collective resilient spirit, for which Nigerians are known all over the world.
It called on all Nigerians not to be overcome by fear and anxiety but to remain heedful in following health safety directives, personal hygiene and social distancing as well as extending charity to one another, while also praying for divine intervention at this perilous time.