Reps’ minority leader, family, staff test negative for COVID-19

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, and his family members have for the second time in a row, tested negative for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.

Elumelu was compelled to make the test results public amidst rumours that about 50 of the 360 members of the House of Representatives have tested positive for the dreaded virus, for which the world is currently battling to provide a cure.

A statement by the minority leader, made available to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday explained that himself, his immediate family and domestic staff have for a second time tested negative for the virus, noting that the second round of tests for himself and his household became necessary in the light of rumours that lawmakers are testing positive to the virus and are hiding their true status, even from the leadership of the house.

“I, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, Minority Leader House of Representatives, did another Covid-19 test on Friday 3rd of July with my family and other 11 domestic staff, and am happy to announce that the results came out negative”, the lawmaker said in the statement he personally signed, advising his colleagues and staff of the National Assembly to do same so as to dispel raging speculations that the House may have been plagued with the virus.

The Minority Leader on March 30, 2020 also underwent a similar test with his family in London and announced that the results were all negative, calling on his colleagues and principal officers to take similar steps.

Elumelu, who was in isolation with his entire family in London at the time said, “We took the Coronavirus test and the results confirmed them all negative. I urge every member and staff of the National Assembly to do the same”.

The House abruptly went on a one-week recess on Tuesday after a closed door session, fuelling speculations that the move was necessitated by reports that scores of members  have tested positive for coronavirus, and yet hiding their status.  

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