OBINNA EZUGWU
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has tested positive for Coronavirus pandemic, promoting further concerns among members of the state executive council.
It would be recalled that State’s Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Solomon Ogunji who died in the state few days ago, tested positive for the virus according to autopsy report. Some of the governors aides have also tested positive for the virus
The state’s commissioner for information, Mr. John Okiyi Kalu confirmed Ikpeazu’s status in an announcement on Monday
He said the governor had gone into isolation before his result returned positive and directed the deputy governor to act on his behalf until he recovers and is fit to return to work.
”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,” Kalu 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.”
