Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, spoke yesterday about his experience while undergoing treatment for coronavirus. 

The governor, who spoke to a Hausa radio, said he could have died, but for the efforts and sacrifices of the medical team and other caregivers. He admitted going through trauma, as he dealt with a reoccurring headache.

El-Rufai said he was the first to suffer from the virus in his state, “and Allah knows why.”

He said: “I could have died if not for my doctors. I followed their instructions strictly and took my medications. My wives collaborated with Dr. Hadiza, the Deputy Governor, and seized my phones while in isolation. I was only left with an iPad, the device I used to read, and go online.

“I survived it. Someone else may not. That is why we are very serious about the disease. I went through trauma. Even when I spoke online from isolation, I was battling with a debilitating headache. I won’t like even my enemy to suffer from coronavirus.

“I can’t exactly say how I contracted the coronavirus. But I was in Abuja and had interacted with many people, some from overseas. I was assigned to chair committees by the government. I believe it was from these interactions that I got the virus.”

Admonishing residents of Kaduna to adhere and comply with all health instructions and guidelines, El-Rufai said: “Despite the security around me, I got the virus. This goes to show that the virus does not recognize any personality.”

He warned that COVID-19 is no respecter of anybody and could strike where and when least expected.

Speaking on why he returned to his clean shave looks, El-Rufai said: “I’m truly aging. I am a few steps above 60, and this disease is not kind to the old. I am old. That is the danger. If one is above 50, one should be very careful not to contract the virus. To an aged person with other health complications like diabetes, hypertension, coronavirus will be very deadly.

“When I came out from isolation, I intended to leave my beard because it was the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be with him.

“But as I visited my mother to greet her, she was against my new look. She asked me to shave. According to her, my father was not bearded during his lifetime. I had no option but to shave my beard because I want to live peacefully with my mother.”

READ MORE: KADUNA EXTENDS LOCKDOWN BY 30 DAYS.

However, it is pertinent to note that Mallam El Rufa’i isn’t the only Government official to have been infected by the Coronavirus disease. On March 31st, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, tested positive for COVID-19, and recovered April 6th. 

Also, on April 18th, 2020, President Buhari announced the death of his most trusted ally, and Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari.

Abba Kyari remains the highest profile person in Nigeria to have died from the virus.

According to the NCDC, as at 29th April, 2020, Nigeria has recorded a total of 1,728 infections, and 307 recoveries. Of the 1,728 infections, kaduna has confirmed 32 cases.