Immigration boss tests positive for COVID-19

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammed Babandede, has tested positive for the dreaded Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NIS, Sunday James, stated yesterday that the NIS boss had been on self-isolation after his return from the United Kingdom.

Babandede had submitted his sample for screening after his self-isolation and the result came out positive.

According to the statement, Babandede is strictly adhering to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines while directing the affairs of the service online, while the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) oversees the administration of the agency.

“The Nigerian immigration community will continue to deliver on its mandate to the nation, even in this trying times as we pray the whole world gets over it,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the NIS has urged its staff to maintain social distancing as they discharge their duties to the public because they were often the first to make contact with international travellers at the borders.

In an operational order issued to the officers of the agency, the officers were cautioned to be “more discreet, firm, fair, humane and conscious of the state of the nation and the expectation of the public.”

But Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari and his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, have tested negative for the virus.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that Masari tested negative for the virus when the result of his blood samples came out at the weekend.

It was learnt that his negative status was a huge relief for many people within the state’s political circle, especially those working in close proximity with him in the Government House.

On March 14, the governor had attended the wedding of Hassan Adamu, son of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Muhammad Adamu, in Abuja.

A photograph taken at the event showed that he was seated next to the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Abba Kyari, who tested positive for the virus last week.

While an inquiry to the governor’s aide was not responded to at press time, spokesperson to Masari’s deputy, Ibrahim Kalla, confirmed his boss’ negative status.

He posted on social media yesterday: “Covid-19 – Katsina State Deputy Governor Mannir Yakubu tested Nagative. Alhamdulilahi.”