x

Abia state governor tests positive for COVID-19

Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia state, has tested positive for COVID-19.

John Okiyi Kalu, commissioner of information in the state, announced the case in a statement on Monday.

He said the governor had gone into isolation before his result returned positive, and that he has directed the deputy governor to act on his behalf pending the time he resumes duty.

”Recall that on Saturday, 30th May, 2020, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu volunteered his sample for COVID-19 test and subsequently directed members of the state Executive Council (EXCO) and those of the inter ministerial committee on COVID-19 to submit themselves for the same test. On Tuesday, 2nd June, 2020. Tthe result of Governor Ikpeazu’s test returned negative,” he said.

”On Thursday, 4th June, 2020, the Governor submitted another sample at NCDC laboratory for confirmation and the result returned positive.

”As a result, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has gone into isolation, as required by relevant NCDC protocols, and he is being managed by a competent team of medical practitioners with a view to nursing him back to good health.

”Consequent on the above, the Governor has directed his Deputy, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, to act on his behalf pending his full resumption of duties.

”We wish to urge all Abians to take the fight against COVID-19 serious as the disease is real but not a death sentence. Our state has the resources to manage patients back to good health.”

Ikpeazu is the fourth governor to contract the coronavirus – after Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi.

In March, the governor said COVID-19 would not afflict Abia because the state is mentioned in the Bible.

“Abia is the only state that is mentioned in the Bible. We have a promise from God that none of these diseases will touch God’s people. And I hold on to God’s promise,” he said.

“We saw Ebola, it did not get to us. We saw monkey pox, it didn’t get to us. Even this one (coronavirus) will also pass us by.”

The commissioner of environment in the state had died, though it was not confirmed he died of COVID-19. But some members of the immediate family of the deceased commissioner tested positive for the disease.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

NCSP DG Urges Legislative Action to Deepen Nigeria-China Economic Cooperation

The Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr....

Shendam LGA Chair Nshe Vows to Boost IGR, Unveils Continental Hotel Vision

By Israel Adamu, Jos The Executive Chairman of Shendam Local...

Yelwata Killings: Para-Mallam Foundation Seeks Justice, Offers Aid

By Israel Adamu, Jos The Gideon and Funmi Para-Mallam Peace...

Bayelsa Governor Vows Justice for Kidnapped Judge, Celebrates Sagbama’s Loyalty

Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa  Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has...

The Sokoto State Police Command has apprehended a notorious vandal, Aminu Umar

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto  A resident of Gidan Igwai area...

Gov Alia Fires Special Adviser Over Sextortion, Cyberbulling , Blackmail 

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi  Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth...

Kogi Poly withdraws 273, Expels 6 over malpractices, poor  performance

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The Kogi State Polytechnic has  withdrawn...

Plateau body   condemns attack on travelers in Mangu

Seeks Justice for victims  Insists  act is not part of...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img