The Anambra State government has frowned at the setting up of a separate COVID-19 aid account by the Senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah had reportedly set up a bank account to canvass for donations with the aim of building and equipping a hospital, to cushion the effects of the coronavirus outbreak in the state.
But the Anambra State government in a press release by the state Commissioner for Information and Public enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba rued Ubah for setting up the account, despite knowing that the state government had set up one for the same purpose.
He said, “COVID-19 is not only in Nigeria, but the number of cases is increasing rapidly. The whole country has a crisis on its hands. It is strange for any person to create the impression that the solution is to start looking for funds from wealthy individuals from Anambra State.
“Since the launch last week of the Anambra State COVID-19 account in the determination to fight the spread of the coronavirus in the state, a lot of people from the state and beyond have been calling to complain that they confuse the state account with the funds’ drive organized by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah”
Adinuba said the outbreak of the pandemic should not be a reason for anyone to start promising to build a brand new hospital, which will certainly take a very long time to complete.
“Worse, it will take time and resources to equip such a hospital and then hire the right calibre of staff like doctors, nurses and laboratory scientists trained in the management of viral cases. This is why serious-minded Nigerians who can easily build hospitals on their own are aligning with the Federal Government as well as state governments to equip existing hospitals and motivate the staff members who are on the frontlines in the battle against the coronavirus.
“Until these individuals and organizations began to complain about the confusion they face while seeking to contribute funds to the Anambra people, the state government was not aware of the funds drive started by Senator Ubah.
“In other words, the state government is not part of SenatorUbah’s funds drive. Our people should, therefore, not confuse the two.
Ubah did not consult us before he started his solo enterprise, nor has he, to this moment, sought to work with the state government. The state government does not sanction his activities.”
