Buhari sends ‘get well message’ to South African president

President Muhammadu Buhari reacts as President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa tested positive to Covid-19.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, on Monday, President Buhari prayed for Cyril Ramaphosa’s speedy recovery.

He said, “My heart and prayers are with Mr Ramaphosa of South Africa at this difficult moment of health challenges, and I pray for his speedy and full recovery.

“Mr Ramaphosa is a friend of Nigeria and an important partner in our joint continental efforts to tackle Africa’s social, economic and political difficulties.

“The coronavirus pandemic is a reality and has no respect for persons.”

President Buhari particularly reminded Nigerians “to disregard the allegation that the pandemic is a foreign creation to depopulate Africa and boost the financial interests of western pharmaceutical companies through vaccine production.”

He warned that “lack of attention to medical advice and apathy are damaging to the government’s efforts to contain the spread of this deadly viral disease.”

The President, therefore, advised Nigerians to come out fully and get vaccinated.

As of 13 December 2021, 8.47 billion doses of COVID‑19 vaccines have been administered worldwide based on official reports from national public health agencies.