Abia begins distribution of palliatives to17 LGAs…says workers have started receiving April salary

Abia State government on Wednesday began the distribution of palliatives to Abians in the 17 local government areas in the state.

The event was flagged off by the Governor of the State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who was represented by his deputy, Sir Udo Okochukwu at the State First Lady’s wing of the Government House, Umuahia, the state capital.

Speaking before handing over the food items and personal protective items to the Transition Committee (TC) Chairmen of benefitting LGA’s Ikpeazu who enjoined T.C Chairmen to be transparent in the distribution of palliatives said the gesture was geared towards alleviating the plight of the vulnerable groups in their domains and also to ensure that Abians do not die of hunger during this precarious moment.

He appealed to the Transition Committee Chairmen to ensure that they engage and carry along the Traditional Rulers, Civil Societies, President Generals, Women Organizations, NUJ and other Stakeholders in their various council areas to ensure transparency and accountability and warned that Govt will not tolerate anyone playing politics with the distribution of the palliatives.

He advised Abians to continue to abide by the rules and dictates of the experts, NCDC and Govt aimed at preventing the Corona Virus by observing the basic hygienic practice of washing their hands with soap, applying sanitizers, wearing of face Masks among others and prayed that Abians will survive and tell the story of this trying period of the Corona Virus Pandemic.

Dr. Ikpeazu, who used the forum to call for support from well-meaning Abians to complement Government’s efforts, appreciated all the Health Workers, front liners, state Inter-ministerial Committee for the wonderful job they are doing and prayed for a speedy recovery of the index cases so far recorded in the state.

“Palliative deliveries are ongoing with 6 LGAs: Ukwa West, Ugwunagbo, Isiala Ngwa North, Ikwuano, Ohafia, and Umunneochi receiving yesterday for onward distribution to our communities.

“Today we delivered to the following LGAs: Aba North, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa South, Umuahia South, Isuikwuato and Bende while Osisioma, Aba South, Ukwa East, Umuahia North, and Arochukwu will receive theirs tomorrow.

“While our state geriatric service agency is continuing with the house to house palliative deliveries to senior citizens who are home bound and above 70 years in age, we will resume deliveries through Churches soon.

“Abia workers have started receiving their April 2020 salary and payment to pensioners will likely be done tomorrow along with the payment of subventions to parastatals.

“The ongoing statewide lockdown, boundary closure and dusk to dawn (6 pm to 6 am) curfew in the state continue till otherwise advised.

“We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all private and corporate citizens who have donated money, food and protective items to the people of the state through the state government as well as those who responded to our “onuru ube nwanne” call to support our communities at this trying time. Your acts of love and support will surely be rewarded by God

“We also wish to appreciate the understanding of our people who have mostly conducted themselves well in the face of obvious challenges as a result of the emergency regulations occasioned by the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria. Our assurance to them is that this one will also pass.

“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu will give detailed briefing to the media tomorrow at 10 am on the progress made so far in the management of the index cases, as well as the way forward on the measures, put in place to control the spread of COVID-19 in our state.

“In addition to the above, the Governor will review the current lockdown over the coming weekend. Meanwhile, a committee will be inaugurated to develop protocols for phased resumption of business life in the state.”

Also Speaking the SSG and Chairman Abia State Inter-Ministerial Committee, Mr. Chris Ezem noted that the state Governor is doing everything possible to keep Abia safe in this period of pandemic and urged Abia residents to be guided in their movements as any one flaunting the dusk to dawn curfew imposed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu would be tried by the state Mobile Court.

Responding, the T.C Chairmen of Ukwa West LGA, Chief Sylvanus Nwaji, and his Ikwuano Counterpart, Chief Stanley Ojigbo thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for his proactive measures in combating the Covid- 19 pandemic and assured that they will apply full transparency in the distribution of the items across party lines as well as ensure that people at their local Govt areas comply with Govt’s directives on the lockdown and safety measures.