A former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu has been pronounced dead on Tuesday, August 17, according to a family source who confirmed that the ex-lawmaker died at a private hospital in Abuja.
The source disclosed that Mantu had been ill for nine days and died at about 2 am on Tuesday.
“He fell ill about nine days ago and was receiving treatment at home but he was rushed to the hospital when there was no sign of improvement,” the source said, adding that the funeral prayer would hold later on Tuesday, in Abuja.
Mantu was elected Deputy Senate President under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in 2001.
Meanwhile, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, has clarified that the organisation had not ranked countries on the basis of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mulombo made the clarification on the sidelines of the commencement of Nigeria’s second phase of the COVID-19 vaccines programme; held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi Abuja, on Monday, August 16.
He, however, noted that Nigeria had mounted one of the most effective responses to COVID-19; putting in place courageous measures and also helping to avert the spread that was predicted.
According to him, “Some independent media analysis had previously presented a ranking for top 10 countries; with Nigeria appearing on 4th position. It should be noted, however, that this is not a WHO ranking.
“The Global Normalcy Index ranked Nigeria 4th position in the Economist’s Global Normalcy Index, out of 50 countries, which is commendable,” he explained.
He added that while the government deserved commendation; Nigerians too deserved praise for cooperating with the Federal Government throughout the difficult times.
“As I always mentioned at different fora, vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19.
“These vaccines are safe and effective and will be the game-changer: but for the foreseeable future, we must continue wearing masks; physical distance; as well as avoid crowds.
“I will like to remind everyone, that most countries; including Nigeria, are currently experiencing the third wave of COVID-19 outbreaks,” he said.
