By Godwin Anene
The late Director of Finance and Administration of the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Elder Ibanga Bassey Etang, tested positive to the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, the commission has said.
It also confirmed that the deceased died of complication resulting from ravaging COVID-19 symptoms.
The commission said both the family and the Rivers State Ministry of Health separately confirmed the development.
A statement signed by NDDC’s Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Obi Odili, announced the development on Tuesday.
NIGER DELTA TODAY Online reports that the former Director of Finance and Administration of the IMC passed on Thursday May 28, 2020 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after a brief illness.
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According to the statement, “The Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been consulting with the family of Elder Ibanga Bassey Etang who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2020.
“The family has authorized the Commission to announce that the late executive director tested positive to COVID-19.
“The Rivers State Ministry of Health has written to the Commission to also confirm the cause of death resulting from complications attributable to COVID-19.”
It noted that the Rivers State Ministry of Health has directed management staff of the commission to immediately proceed on 14 days self-isolation to prevent the spread of the virus to other persons.
“The ministry has, therefore, directed the Commission to order all management staff to go into self-isolation for a period of 14 days with effects from today, While seeking the cooperation of the organisation in tracing staff and contractors who have had close contact with the deceased.
“During the meeting with the family, they expressed fervent desire, that the death of the Executive Director should not be politicised, wishing to be left alone to mourn with dignity. This also is the position of the Commission.
We pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of our Executive Director Finance and Administration, Elder lbanga Bassey Etang”, the statement further said.
