Ikpeazu Becomes Fourth Governor to Test Positive For COVID-19

The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu tested positive for COVID-19, just as Abia State recorded the highest number of cases (67) of the virus on Sunday, June 7, according to the daily COVID-19 updates of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Governor Ikpeazu has become the fourth State Governor to test positive for the virus. The governor was tested twice for the virus, with the first sample taken in May returning negative and the second test conducted in June coming in positive. Governor Ikpeazu was said to have taken the tests after one of his aides contracted the disease. It will be recalled that when Nigeria began to record more cases of COVID-19 in March 2020, Ikpeazu had stated that Abia State would not be affected because it is the only State in Nigeria mentioned in the Bible. Yet, the State government was reported to have made provisions for isolation centres in Aba and Umuahia towns, with a combined 50-bed capacity. The State recorded its first two cases of COVID-19 in April 2020. The Commissioner of Environment in the State, died in May 2020, amid speculations of COVID-19. However, the cause of death remains unclear. Governor Ikpeazu has since gone into isolation and directed his deputy, Ude Chukwu to act on his behalf, pending when he recovers and is able to resume duties.