Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, his wife, Nkechi Ikpeazu, their children and all members of Abia first family have all tested negative for COVID -19, as results of their samples taken on Saturday, 30th of May, 2020, came out negative on Tuesday.
A statement by the governor reads: “Leading this battle from the front, as your Governor, I and all members of the first family subjected ourselves to COVID-19 tests on Saturday, 30th May 2020 and the result came out negative today. ”
According to the statement, two aides of the Governor tested positive to COVID-19.
The statement reads: ”The new phase of the fight against COVID-19 in Abia will require that the state embark on massive test of citizens to achieve at least 10% coverage of our population.
“Towards this, the state epidemiologist has been directed to work out modalities for case searches using sample population size of between 30 to 250 persons, in some densely populated LGAs of the state.
”Meanwhile, we cannot win and save lives as long as we continue to stigmatise our patients. If any person gets COVID-19, it is unfortunate, but it is not criminal and may not be his/her fault.
”Leading this battle from the front, as your Governor, I and all members of the first family subjected ourselves to COVID-19 tests on Saturday, 30th May 2020 and the result came out negative today.
”Unfortunately, results of two of my aides who also subjected themselves to COVID-19 tests were positive while others turned in negative results. We are confident that within days, the currently asymptomatic positive patients who are now isolated will be successfully nursed back to good health, with God on our side.” Ikpeazu said.
Ikpeazu has also directed all Chairmen of the 17 local government areas of the state, together with their deputies to present themselves for COVID 19 test.
“Further to my earlier directive on the testing of members of the state executive council, I wish to direct that all Transition Council Chairmen of our 17 LGAs and their Deputies present themselves for COVID-19 tests and, thereafter, isolate themselves pending the release of their test results.”
Ikpeazu, who warned against stigmatisation of patients of the pandemic, encouraged all citizens and residents to eschew rumour mongering and get involved in the battle against COVID-19.
“I encourage all citizens and residents to get involved in the battle against COVID-19 rather than engage in rumour mongering. Take responsibility because Abia is ready to win this battle with all hands on deck.”
