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

Speaker Abbas Moots Africa-Asia Trade, Investment Frameworks at Parliamentary Conference

...presents scorecard on gender inclusion, AI regulation bills, others By...

Insecurity Cannot Be Resolved Through Firearms Alone – Gov Sani

By Idibia Gabriel, Kaduna Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State...

Ministry of Interior Honours Retirees for Outstanding Service

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani,...

Insecurity: Enough is Enough – Ex-APC Chieftain Tells Tinubu

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja Obviously piqued by the seeming helplessness...

Breaking: FG Set to Integrate Organ Transplant Services Into NHIA

… To End Unethical Local Organ Transplantation Practices By Joyce...

Atissa Youth Council Urges NDDC to Rescue Famgbe, Obogoro from Erosion

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa Two historic communities in Bayelsa State,...

Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway to Boost Trade, Regional Integration

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway project, a major...

The 22 Sins of El-Rufai in Kaduna, Nigerians Won’t Forget Soon – Civic Group

By Our Correspondent A Kaduna-based civic group, the Kaduna Leadership...

Gov Ododo Condemns Egbe Bandits’ Attack, Vows Justice for Fallen Heroes

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman...

FG Goes Digital To Ensure Drug Availability In Hospitals

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The federal government has gone digital to...

FCTA Drags 15 Persons to Court Over Illegal Construction at River Park Estate

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju As a sequel to the demolition of...

Troops kill wanted bandit Babangida in Kogi gun duel

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img