COVID 19: Panic In Abia As Deputy Takes Over

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has tested positive for the deadly corona virus, the state government has said.

The governor joined the former Governor of Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi as  high profile Nigeria who have contracted the novel virus in the last few days.

The state’s helmsman has now directed the deputy governor to run the affairs of government following his decision to go on self isolation.

According to John Okiyi Kalu, the states commissioner for information, Governor Ikpeazu has also directed all members of the state Executive Council to summit themselves for test.

Kalu in a statement said “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.

He said the governor submitted himself to COVID 19 test two times to confirm his status and the results came out positive on both occasions.

He stated that “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.”

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt that the entire state is now under fear over suggestions that many Abia state government officials must have been exposed to the virus and probably passed it on to members of their families.