BY CAMI EZENWA
It’s just absurd that a man who had a foresight about the corona virus now ravaging humanity forewarned the Chinese authorities but was never listened to.
Instead, he was reprimanded by the leading Communist Party for releasing information considered offensive to the party
That indiscretion by the Chinese authorities has seen the virus getting the world down on its knees after decimating several thousands, and sending shock waves down the spines of humanity.
The man, Li Wenliang, an ophthalmologist at Wuhan Central Hospital, had on 30 December 2019 warned his colleagues about a possible outbreak of an illness that resembled severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), later acknowledged as COVID-19.
He had taken to the social media to share his convinctions, a stance the authorities did not like.
About a month later, on 3 January 2020, Wuhan police summoned and admonished him what it described as making false comments.
Ironically, Li contracted the virus from an infected patient when he returned to work. He died from the disease on 7 February 2020, aged 33.
Although the government has said it had sent a “solemn apology” to Li’s family and that two police officers, identified only by their surnames, had been issued “disciplinary punishments” for the original handling of the matter.
But Li had become a hero in death.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.