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Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has tested positive for coronavirus, making him the fourth governor in Nigeria, after Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi.
This comes days after two aides to Governor Ikpeazu tested positive for the virus disease while he and his family members tested negative for the virus.
The state Commissioner of Information, John Okiyi Kalu confirmed the governor’s latest COVID-19 status in a statement on Monday, noting that he had gone into isolation before his result returned positive.
Kalu said the deputy governor of the state, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu will now act on Ikpeazu’s stead 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.”
MERIDIAN SPY reports Sunday, 67 COVID-19 cases were confirmed, out of the 260 cases recorded by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).