COVID 19: FG To Open Schools July- Ministry Source

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June 9, 2020

By Fola James

The minister of state for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba has disclosed that the federal government is overwhelmed and could no longer bear the pressure from parents and other stakeholders, demanding that schools be re-opened for students to resume study .

A top ministry of education sources informed the magazine on Tuesday that federal government controlled schools could open by mid-july.

The Federal Government had in March shut all schools in the country as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The minister however, disclosed that schools will be open again after the inter-state lock down has been lifted.

He explained that the decision was reached following series of meetings with heads of government institutions in the country.

Recall that Dr Dani Aliyu, the National Coordinator, Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID 19 said inter-state movement and local flights will be allowed from June 21.

Nwajiuba also stated that all options are still on the table to further curtail the spread of the virus, as the federal government will do everything not to endanger the lives of Nigerians.

He said schools will be opened as soon as it is safe to do so.

According to the minister, “We want to open when it is safe to do so. We have heard about neighbouring countries that opened and shut.

We have heard about cases spiking with children getting into school. Of all the things I will like to do, I will not like to experiment with your children.

We want a situation where once we are sure it is safe, we can then take them into school.”

The government had met with various education stakeholders, the minister said.

“I have just finished a meeting with the representatives of WAEC and NABTEB and I understand how that worries our parents at the moment and how anxious our children are to know what next.

As soon as those in charge of the blockade lift it because there is no way we can open our schools if teachers can’t come. So, we are looking at somewhere after the interstate lockdown is lifted.

Because we will need that kind of openness for the children to move.”

Meanwhile, the magazine learnt from sources in the Ministry of Education in Abuja that, the government is considering re-opening schools by the middle of July.

“But states will determine when schools will open in their various jurisdictions, since education is on concurrent list,” the ministry official said on Tuesday.

Corruption Allegations: Group Blasts Obasa, Says Committee Members Were His Cronies

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The Source

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June 9, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Foremost Anti-Corruption Group, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, has blasted Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, accusing him of setting up a panel that appears wired to exonerate him from raging multiple allegations of graft.

In a letter addressed to the lawmakers, through the Clerk of the House, signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, it said the Speaker, whose second term has been marred by a string of corruption charges is using the House investigation Committee as a smokescreen to unchain the Speaker

The Group said the outcome of the panel is predictable. “Obasa will be cleared by his friends fronting as investigators, which was played out on Friday and Saturday last week.

“The panel set up by the Lagos State House of Assembly is made up cronies of the Speaker. There is no way justice will be delivered to the people of Lagos whose resources Obasa was said to have pillaged” the statement stated.

The HEDA Chairman said his group which was invited to substantiate the corruption allegations got the invitation through e-mail, few hours to the sitting of the Committee, and at a time when the committee was already dramatizing the invitation in social and mainstream media.

HEDA said its petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), subsists and that the Speaker and its panel should not assume they can take over the work of the anti-graft institution.

In the letter tagged “Re-ADHOC Committee on Investigation and Fact Findings on the allegations: Invitation to a meeting” Suraju said the Committee was a decoy to pass clean bill on the embattled speaker.

HEDA stated, “Considering the inherent fundamental flaws and procedural defects in the procedure, appointment of the committee, process of invitation and the shenanigans of the committee, we have decided that the committee does not deserve a response from our organisation.”

The group said the invitation was deliberately served without any genuine intent of receiving any input from the public.

“Your committee, via our official email address sent an invitation to our organisation at 6.07pm on Wednesday, at a time when offices had closed, and requested our appearance before a committee at 10.00am the following day.”

The Group stressed that a sincere, impartial and independent committee will never send an invitation to an individual and organisation for an appearance at the sitting of the committee with less than 24 hours notice, as was the case in this circumstance, Suraju revealed.

He said it is pathetic to see the Lagos House of Assembly equate the Speaker of the Assembly to the institution, adding that the personification of the House is worrisome.

Suraju said the name of the the committee is titled “AD-HOC COMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATION AND FACT FINDINGS ON THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE HOUSE”, as contained in the letter adding that the allegations read in the papers and social media were against the Speaker, Honourable Obasa, and not the House.

“Under the principle of fair process, the House is unfit to be a judge in its own case by constituting a committee to investigate allegations of crime against it. The Committee was impatient in its haste to arrive at a predetermined conclusion. Hence, its alleged turned down of its invitation to the invited Civil Society Organisations was already communicated through a press address to the media less than one hour after the expected “appearance” of the invitees”

HEDA insisted that a credible and responsive government institution will not allow the subject of allegations to preside over the process of his investigation.

The group added: “The speaker cannot constitute a committee of his loyalists, many of whom have defended him on these allegations through the vote of confidence passed on him and expect any iota of seriousness or credibility attached to the committee or its recommendations. This simply goes without saying.”

HEDA said it was wrong for the house to invite the group to a meeting when in actual fact no petition was submitted to the Assembly by our organisation in the first place.

“The allegations against the Speaker are criminal in nature and completely outside the parliamentary power of the Assembly. We have directed these petitions to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for their actions. It would be honourable for the Assembly to allow these agencies discharge their statutory responsibilities of investigating this matter.”

HEDA said the agenda of the Committee and the Assembly is to create a semblance of clean bill of health for the Speaker with the hope of deceiving the public and stampeding the law enforcement agencies.

“This is clearly manifested in the hideous appearances and submission of bank officials before the panel.

Though, news reports suggest that the committee has already concluded its ‘sittings’ and is expected to pronounce its ‘findings’ of “Not Guilty” next week, it is our hope that the Committee and the House will have the courage to give account of the utilisation of public fund to the anti graft agencies that are investigating the allegations of grave corruption and abuse of office committed by the Speaker.

Edo 2020: Plot To Screen Out Obaseki Thickens

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The Source

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June 9, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

The All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Primaries in Edo State scheduled for 22nd June, 2020, will no doubt be a battle of the titans between incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki and APC National Chairman’s Candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

And even though a Court in Benin on Monday restrained the APC from holding any Primaries until the substantive case is heard, the state is already tensed up.

The screening of Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu and four other aspirants that have purchased, filled and submitted nomination and expression of interest forms will be fierce.

The six aspirants are Gov. Obaseki, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Odubu, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Hon. Osaro Obazee and Hon. Matthew Aigbuhuenze Iduoriyekemwen.

A member of the National Working Committee, NWC, of the APC told the magazine that “dangerous” discrepancies had been uncovered in the forms submitted by Obaseki to the party’s secretariat in Abuja.

The Party chieftain and NWC member who claimed anonymity, said those who are against the candidature of the governor were going to capitalise on the discrepancies to disqualify him.

He said, “Except for divine intervention, Obaseki will not scale through the screening. This is because even we that have little sympathy for him, may not be able to help. The discrepancies are too glaring to be swept under the carpet.” Asked to disclose some of the discrepancies, he declined, saying “go and check on Monday at our secretariat, look at it, you may see some.”

The spokesperson of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, had, on Friday, said the various submissions would be displayed at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja and in Benin City, the Edo State capital, for claims and objections Monday 8th June, 2020.

Issa-Onilu said, “We are calling on party members, and indeed members of the public, to assist the screening committee by scrutinising the information, credentials and documents provided by the governorship aspirants and availing the screening committee of counter and correct information, if applicable.”

Recall that controversies revolving around Obaseki’s certificate first started in 2016 when he contested for the governorship, and last week, it was rooted out again, as three APC members instituted a forgery suit in Abuja against Obaseki.

Speaking during a “thank you” tour to principal officers and ward leaders in Oredo Local Government Area of the state at the weekend, Obaseki punctured the claims on his certificate. He said, “They say I forged my certificate. How can you forge the certificate of the University of Ibadan (UI)? I am not like those that burn buildings to cover up their certificate issues.”

Speaking on the discrepancies, Issa-Onilu said, “ It is only after the screening that one will know who has issues or not.”

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the plot to disqualify Obaseki has created a fresh division in the NWC.

The magazine gathered that while some of the 21-member committee are with the plotters, others are not.

The feud between the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Obaseki has also polarised other organs of the ruling party.

Obaseki had, last week, asked Oshiomhole to recuse himself from the nomination processes of the primary, but the Party has been playing politics with that, failing to act on it.

It was stated by one of the NWC members last week that, “Oshiomhole does not have a personal role to play in the Edo primary, neither do the members of the NWC.”

Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, while speaking on behalf of the Presidency said that the Presidency is avoiding a similar scenario of what played out in Zamfara and Rivers states to repeat itself in Edo State.

In his words, “As for what the president will do on APC matter in Edo, I don’t know. If I have anything to tell you, I will let you know. For now, I don’t have any answer.”

Obaseki, last week, was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he presented his forms to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that there is apprehension at the government house in Benin City as some staff are afraid that Obaseki may be denied the APC ticket.

But a source at the government house said that although there was apprehension somehow, the governor was leaving no chance in his bid to get a second term.

The source said, “I can tell you that the governor is not a push over in the fight for the party’s ticket, he is doing underground movement to ensure that he gets the ticket.”

Governor Obaseki has continually expressed optimism that he would get the ticket no matter the politicking that would play out.

A Source close to Obaseki said, “Obaseki is exploring all options, including settlement of the House of Assembly crisis, and also judicial option by challenging the waiver given to Ize-Iyamu.

“Oshiomhole thought they will just push Obaseki aside, but they have seen that he is not a push over. He is exploring other options which I can’t disclose to you now.”

As it is, time will tell.

Breaking: IPOB Members Arrested For Demonstrating Against Killing Of Christians

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Uche Mbah

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June 9, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

Garba Shehu’s allegation that the leader of the Indigenous people of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has been spending money from ”unknown sources” to tarnish the image of Nigeria by claiming that Christians are killed in Nigeria may have sparked off a wave of demonstrations in Abia state that resulted in arrests by security agencies.

Demonstrators Monday reportedly took over the streets of Abia state chanting songs and drabbed in the traditional Biafran flag, condemning the killings in Nigeria. There have been recent reports of systematic killings by herdsmen in Southern Kaduna in recent times, and the state government appeared helpless to deal with the situation.

According to eye witness accounts, the demonstrations took off from the popular ala Oji flyover in Ugwunagbo local council and terminated at Ariaria market. Sporadic shootings were heard around Ariaria, but besides that, the demonstrations were said to be peaceful.

Recall that Garba Shehu, Presidential spokesperson, had accused Nnamdi Kanu of using Christian persecution to blackmail Nigeria among the comity of nations. This was contained in a release which read in part:

“For reasons of convenience, (Nnamdi Kanu) claims to have an interest in the welfare of Christians – but this is a ruse: the case for independence, the leader believes, is strengthened by ‘proving’ the government of Nigeria is ‘autocratic’, engaged in a ‘silent slaughter’ of their own citizens along religious and ethnic lines – and that therefore the only viable option for the unique religious and ethnic minority is a sovereign Biafra separate from Nigeria,” the statement read.

“Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse.

“The campaign consists of producing articles in the names of the alleged Christian NGOs’ leaders (of campaign groups created at the time this PR contract with a US lobbying firm was signed) and letters to and from members of Congress to the White House.

“Unfortunately, some members of Congress have clearly been persuaded there is indeed “Christian persecution” underway in Nigeria – and do so quoting the campaign – and they are known to be taking up the case directly with the White House to appoint the special envoy.

“The American charity secured a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and has made presentations to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

“There is also the UK and European angle of the Campaign, which is more opaque than its US sister campaign – given there is a less legal requirement for public filings – but what is known of this at the moment is that their budget is sufficient to hire four PR firms in the UK, Belgium, France, and the US.”

Update: Why Buhari Sent The Name of Justice Dumgban-Mensem To Senate for Confirmation

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Uche Mbah

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June 8, 2020

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By Uche Mbah

Facts are now emerging on why President Muhammadu Buhari finally appears to have succumbed to pressure to confirm the appointment of Justice Monica Dumgban Mensem as the President of the Court of Appeal. The justice has been on Acting capacity for a second consecutive three months since the President has delayed her confirmation citing clearance by security agencies. This is despite the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommending her confirmation as the substantive appeal court president.

The Presidency has finally forwarded her name to the Senate for confirmation.

This Magazine was told that International Pressures may have been allegedly mounted on the federal government to approve the nomination to prove that there is no ethnic or religious bias. It was gathered that the Activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, now in self-exile, may have rattled the presidency in recent times, particularly as news filtered in of the United Nations may have given a nod for the creation of a country, Ambazonia, out of the English speaking areas of Cameroun and about 24 local governments of Nigeria. This may include the disputed Bakassi Penisular and some local areas in Adamawa State, including former Vice president Atiku Abubakar’s local council.

Garba Shehu, Buhari’s Spokesperson, has insisted that Kanu is using the persecution of Christians to blackmail Nigeria and that Nigeria and the rest of the world should ignore him. Hours after the statement, President Buhari sent the name to the Senate for confirmation.

There has been an uproar over the delay in her confirmation, with many Nigerians being of the opinion she was being unduly delayed because she is a Christian from what is regarded as the middle belt. Only recently, Dangiwa Umar, a retired colonel, lamented that the way the Presidency is favoring a section of the country is not healthy for the country. According to him, Buhari’s “undue preference to some sections of the country over others” in appointments will spell doom for the country.

“May I also invite the attention of Mr. President to the pending matter of appointment of a Chief Judge of the Nigerian Court Appeal which appears to be generating public interest,” Umar wrote in an open letter to President Buhari. “As it is, the most senior Judge, Justice Monica Dongban Mensem, a northern Christian, is serving out her second three-month term as acting Chief Judge without firm prospects that she will be confirmed substantive head.”

Presidency had claimed that her appointment is awaiting security clearance, but this could have been done before the National Judicial Commission recommend anyone to the president.

In a release on Sunday, Garba Shehu, Buhari spokesperson, sought to defend the delay.

“In the specific case of the Acting President of the Court of Appeal, Her Lordship Justice M. S Dongban-Mensem, the statutory regulatory time of her acting period has not lapsed. This is not about ethnicity or religion. It is about security and law enforcement agencies being allowed to complete their work. Nobody should seek to stampede the President in carrying out his constitutional duty in this respect,” he wrote.

Tsav, Ex-Lagos Controversial CP, dies

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The Source

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June 8, 2020

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By Adesina Soyooye

The Middle Belt, has lost a powerful voice. Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has passed on.

He passed on Monday after what has been described as a brief illness.

His Personal Assistant, Torkuma Uke, confirmed his death to Journalists in Makurdi. He said Tsav passed on at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.

But it was his son, Mohammed, who announced his death, on behalf of the family, in a Facebook post

“Inna Lilahi wa inna ilahi raju’un. We lost our beloved father, Alhaji Abubakar B. Tsav today.

“May the Almighty Allah have mercy on his soul, and forgive him all his sins and shortcomings.

“And may the Almighty Allah accept him into Al-Janna Firdau. Ameen”

Not a few people think Tsav was, at once, an enigma, and controversial. He dabbled into many things from local to national politics to, naturally, security issues, even after his retirement from the NPF, especially, as it concerned Herdsmen and Boko Haram. He was also very critical of the powers-that-be, especially, in his native Benue state, ending up in court with, at least, one governor.

Aside from Lagos, Tsav had been a CP in, at least, one other state, after his tenure in Lagos. But he prefers to be identified with Lagos, only, because those were his glorious years. He served as the CP of Lagos, under the Military Administratorship of Brigadier-General Mohammed Marwa, rtd.

That administration was best known, among other things, with Operation Sweep, a security outfit which swept bad boys out of Lagos State, and made it a comfort zone for residents.

Abubakar Tsav died at the age of 81 years.

Breaking: Buhari Bows To Pressure Confirms Appeal Court President

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Bayo Bernard

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June 8, 2020

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By Fola James

At last President Muhammadu Buhari has succumbed to pressure to confirm Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as President, Court of Appeal.

Last week, Col. Umar Dangiwa (rtd) in a letter, urged the president to confirm Justice Dongban-Mensen as a token to Nigerians that he’s not tribalistic.

The president had already nominated the judge, two times as acting President of the court, thus drawing suspicion that the president was reluctant to confirm her because of her religious inclination as a christian

But on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed that her name ha now been sent to the Senate for confirmation.

Shehu said in a statement that “President Muhammadu Buhari, in line with his constitutional responsibility has sent the nomination of Her Lordship, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, Acting President, Court of Appeal to the Senate for confirmation as President, Court of Appeal.

Justice Dongban-Mensem is a serving Justice of the Court of Appeal and was recommended, as is the practice, by the National Judicial Council for the nomination by the President.”

Meanwhile, some well meaning Nigerians says the President must now carry everybody along in federal government appointments to prove that he’s not necessarily favouring a particular section of the country.

Fidelity Bank Donates Covid-19 Isolation Centre to Anambra State

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The Source

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June 8, 2020

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Commissioner for Housing, Anambra State, Arch. Mike Okonkwo; Regional Bank Head, Fidelity Bank PLC, Henry Asiegbu; Deputy Governor, Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke; Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, Dr. Vincent Okpala

Consistent with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives, Fidelity Bank Plc has handed over a 50-bed capacity isolation centre at Ekwulobia General Hospital to the Anambra State Government. Equipped with medical equipment and other state-of-the-art facilities, the bank on Saturday donated the isolation centre to assist the Willie Obiano-led administration in the fight against the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Speaking at the handover ceremony on Saturday, Regional Bank Head (RBH), Awka, Fidelity Bank, Henry Asiegbu pointed out that the gesture was part of the bank’s CSR policy anchored on a commitment to enhancing the lives and wellbeing communities where the bank operates. “ The government and people of Anambra State have been very supportive of Fidelity Bank. It was therefore expedient that we rose to the occasion to fund this centre for the benefit of the people of Ndi-Anambra and Nigerias“ affirmed Asiegbu.

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 in Nigeria, Asiegbu noted that the bank had remained in the forefront of galvanizing requisite resources to support governments’ response to the Coronavirus pandemic as exemplified by monetary donations to other State governments including Plateau State, Kebbi State, Benue State, Kano State, amongst others. “This is in spite of our contributions to the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID)” he said.

According to him corporate philanthropy and social giving is at the core of the bank’s philosophy and outlook because bank believes that organisations and the societies where they does business are in a symbiotic relationships.

In his remarks, the Governor of Anambra State, Obiano said the facility was to ensure that Covid-19 patients in the State received first-rate medical treatment. Obiano, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, said though the number of Covid-19 cases in Anambra remained minimal, the facility was necessary to ensure the state’s readiness for any eventuality.

Okeke also thanked the bank for its laudable contributions to the growth and development of Anambra State. Speaking in the same vein, Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, said the 50-bed capacity Isolation Center had the capacity to effectively cater to the needs of patients. Okpala commended the bank for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of good neighborliness. He said the facility is equipped with oxygen concentrators, mobilizers and other machines that will help the fight against Covid-19.

Simi, Adekunle Name New Born Baby, Adejare

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The Source

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June 8, 2020

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By Akinwale Kasali

Duduke crooner, Simi, and her husband, Adekunle Gold who just welcomed a new baby girl have decided to name her Adejare.

The news of her delivery came barely a month after rumours hit social media of Simi’s delivery. The popular musician, who is married to Adekunle Gold has announced the delivery of a baby girl.

It would be recalled that Simi who was heavily pregnant with her first child with hubby Adekunle Gold posted a video of herself dancing while a song played in the background which melted the hearts of many, prompting lots of pregnant women in Nigeria to do the same.

However, in a post shared by the artiste, she confirmed that she has finally given birth to a baby girl and she revealed the name of the baby as “Adejare”.

With a picture of the new baby, Simi wrote on Instagram: “Adejare. It’s like free-falling – this unending, soul snatching, infinite, mind-boggling love. Deja, my baby girl, I got you. I promise. Now and forever. So help me God.

COVID 19: Panic In Abia As Deputy Takes Over

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Bayo Bernard

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June 8, 2020

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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.