Professor Isa Hussaini Marte, The Chief of Staff to the Borno State Governor.
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
The Borno State Government says it would not compile anyone into taking the Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccines which is free for all above the age of 18 years.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor Isa Hussaini Marte stated this when he met with the State’s religious leaders to brief them on the Government’s commitment to protect its citizens against the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Addressing the leaders of the religious group, The Chief of Staff called on them to educate their followers on the need to protect themselves against the devastating effect of the pandemic by taking the vaccine as a protective measures against the viruses.
According to him: ” The Borno State Government will not compel anyone to take the AstraZeneca vaccine rather than educate and enlighten it’s people on need to take the vaccine”.
“I appeal to you as religious leaders not to compel anyone to take it and it is free”.
“Covid-19 is real and has killed so many people in this country including our people here in Borno. We in Borno should thank Allah (SWT) for minimizing the number of death as a result of Covid-19 pandemic compare to other sister states in the country”.
“AstraZeneca vaccine is preventive vaccine against Covid-19 pandemic and is free. Prevention is always better than cure”, Marte added.
Responding on behalf of the religious leader, Sheikh Muhammad Arabi Abulfatahi suggested that The State Government should engage medical experts and professionals from both the Muslim and Christian communities to educate and enlighten the citizens on the need to take the vaccine for their safety and protection.
On his part, The Borno State CAN Chairman, Bishop Mohammed Naga noted that with the broadcast campaign by representatives of the religious communities, would go a long way into influencing the people to accept the vaccination campaign, while debunking the negative perception about the vaccine.
The Chief Imam of Borno, Imam Zanna Laisu Ibrahim Ahmed, however assured the state Government that, they would enlighten their followers to take the vaccine.
The meeting was attended by Honourable Speaker, Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Hon. member representing Monguno Dr. Maina Garbu, and Honourable State Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Alhaji Abatcha Umar and other religious leaders.