Atiku Abubakar Demands Clarity on Ebola Fund and Response Timeline

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is urging the Nigerian government to provide details about the N10 billion allocated for Ebola preparedness. His request comes after a confirmed case of Ebola was reported in Abuja.

Atiku’s comments were made through Phrank Shaibu, the Director of Strategic Communication for the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, on Friday. He emphasized that Nigerians deserve transparency regarding the fund announced by the Presidency.

On June 9, the Presidency stated that President Tinubu had ordered the immediate release of N10 billion for Ebola emergency preparedness. However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently claimed that the money remains untouched, raising questions about its status.

Atiku has asked the government to clarify whether the fund was released and, if so, where it is being held and why it has not been used. He also called for the publication of relevant documents, including account records and expenditure reports from the Task Force.

Furthermore, Atiku seeks information on the timeline of the government’s response after symptoms of Ebola appeared. According to the World Health Organization, the patient showed symptoms on October 7, sought care on October 11, and received confirmation on October 20. He questioned when Ebola was first suspected and when public health authorities were alerted.

He stressed the need for the government to publish a timeline of surveillance and actions taken. Atiku also highlighted the importance of protecting health workers and tracing all contacts of the confirmed case.

In light of potential restrictions, he called for any proposed measures to be backed by medical justification and guidance from health authorities, stating that public health measures should prioritize the safety of the people.