The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed has approved the use of chloroquine as a medication for the treatment of COVID-19 in the state.
The governor who made this known while briefing the media on COVID-19 in the state, at the Government House, Bauchi, said he was treated with “chloroquine and Zithromax.” having been the COVID-19 index case in the state.
He added that he will take responsibility for any consequences of approving such drugs.
“Our medical team is using their own ingenuity to use chloroquine and Zithromax to treat the patients, even though in some places, they said it is against the protocol,” he said.
“As the governor, I’m taking responsibility for that because I don’t want anyone to die.
Addressing the health officials directly, Mr Mohammed said, “I have given you the directive that you must use something that I have used to get well, just as you have used for all other cases that got well.
“Rather than saying that something is harmful, we should not follow what the white people are saying by not taking anything and die.
“We are used to taking chloroquine in Nigeria. We are going to use them. We have taken responsibility and I have taken responsibility.
Mr Mohammed’s statement on chloroquine adds to the global debate on the appropriateness of recommending the drug.
President Donald Trump of the U.S. was criticised last month for recommending the use of the drug for the treatment of COVID-19 in the U.S.
Meanwhile, Mr Mohammed ruled out a total lockdown that involves curtailing of all movement and commercial activities, he said: “community participation in the enforcement of social distancing works out best for the government and people of Bauchi.”
