With the current outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus affecting certain parts of the world, most especially China and South East Asia, there is a very serious need for the Federal Government of Nigeria, most specifically, the Ministry of Health, to take urgent steps aimed at protecting Nigerians in order to prevent the outbreak of this deadly virus in our country.

The above is the position of Nigeria For Democracy as contained in a statement issue on Thursday, signed by the National Chairman, Dr. Asukwo Mendie Archibong Esq., the party's Presidential Candidate during the 2019 polls.

According to the party, "The alarm here is the rapid spread of the virus, including the recent migration of the disease into western countries including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom, to mention but a few, and reports of several deaths in those countries due to the virus.

"The Coronavirus, which is transferred from animals to humans and also between humans, is a deadly virus that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Prevention is still the best option. The World Health Organization, in its recent report about the outbreak of this virus, declared this global infection, a Public Health Emergency, Nigeria should follow suit.

"Nigeria has a large number of South East Asian workers, including the Chinese who have started returning to the country from their recent trip to China to celebrate their Lunar New Year. China, generally is at the epicenter of this outbreak, thus it is imperative we put in place processes to safeguard against the introduction of the deadly virus into Nigeria by the returning Lunar New Year celebrants from China.

"It should also be noted that Nigerians travel to China in numbers larger than any other African nation. Almost everything we use is now made in China. We must ensure that those going to China are not returning to Nigeria with the Coronavirus. Furthermore, because the virus has migrated to the western world, the steps we take to safeguard our country should take into cognizance the exposure of the western countries to the virus and these steps should include:

"1. Adequately equip all ports of entry into the country with Coronavirus screening machines to ensure everyone coming into the country is properly screened; and,

"2. Set up quarantine centres to isolate individuals who have been exposed, show signs of the infection or have been confirmed to be infected for proper medical attention and treatment; and,

"3. Strengthen research and development capacity for the testing of the Coronavirus; and,

"4. Vigorous public enlightenment and education to inform Nigerians on how to prevent the disease and improve their preventative habits.

"The above list should serve as a starting point. The Federal Government of Nigeria should work diligently and around the clock to ensure the safety of the Nigerian populace against the deadly Coronavirus."