Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — As the Akwa Ibom State Government began questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of the Executive Director of Finance at the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Ibanga Bassey Etang, the management of the company has insisted that the decease died of COVID-19.
NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, said the management of NDDC has been consulting with the family of Elder Ibanga Bassey Etang who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2020.
Odili, in a statement, explained that the family of the deceased authorised the Commission to announced that late Etang died of COVID-19.
The NDDC official, who prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of deceased Executive Director Finance and Administration, said the Commission is of the position that the death of Late Etang should not be politicised in line with the desires of his family.
“The family has authorised 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.
“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 read.
