A cross section of Abia citizens and groups have berated the latest upsurge in cases of coronavirus which saw 67 Abia residents testing positive for the virus, including Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and some members of the Abia State Executive Council.
DAILY POST recalls that the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu had tested positive for the coronavirus infection.
John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for information in the State, in a statement issued to newsmen in Umuahia, on Monday, said the governor had gone into isolation before his result was confirmed positive.
The statement quoted that Ikpeazu ordered that the deputy governor would act on his behalf pending his resumption of office.
However, speaking in a press release issued by Ferdinand Ekeoma and made available to reporters in Umuahia on Tuesday, the former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during the 2019 general elections in Abia State, Alex Otti, reemphasized that viruses such as this (COVID-19), act mysteriously, and sometimes strike with unpredictable speed, hence the need for Abians to do away with doubt and carelessness, but rather adhere to every professional advice, and apply individual and institutional safety measures required to remain safe.
On Ikpeazu’s COVID-19 infection, Otti enjoined the Governor to remain strong and courageous in the face of the COVID-19 trial, as a way of instilling confidence in other citizens who were also hit by the virus.
He prayed for quick recovery for Governor Ikpeazu and other Abia citizens battling the virus at this moment.
The ex-Group Managing Director of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc called on all Abians to take the outbreak of the pandemic very seriously.
Meanwhile, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC), Worldwide, has decried the rising cases of coronavirus in the South East zone, which Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State was among the victims.
The Igbo socio-cultural group, in its release by its President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated that the increase cases of COVID-19 infection was becoming a sad development, disclosing that it had mobilized 100 religious groups to intercede with prayers and other traditional medium of prayers for all Igbos currently tested positive to coronavirus especially, the Abia Governor, to cleanse the land and heal them.
According to OYC, “There is an ongoing 40 days fasting and prayers for Governor Okezie ikpeazu led by Igbo Christian prayer warriors. While other religious worships such as Jewish, Muslim and customary groups had been mobilized to offer their prayers, sacrifices and ordinances for all Igbo coronavirus index cases”.
While reacting on his part, the Deputy Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu, expressed worries over the index cases recorded in the state, especially that of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who was hit by the coronavirus.
Uchendu said in a message to Ikpeazu, “COVID-19 is just a temporary setback and not a death sentence. Your positive stance towards life will definitely force the positive test result to a negative one in no distant time.
“You have done your best in sensitizing Abians and ensuring our safety against the deadly coronavirus. You took all the necessary steps towards preventing the spread of the virus in our state and went as far as providing palliatives to cushion the effects of some of those steps.
“I have no doubt that God will look at your relentless efforts towards securing the lives of Abians against the COVID-19 pandemic and grant you a speedy recovery”.
