Close aides, including personal physician, the Aide De Camp (ADC) and the orderly, to the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, have tested positive for COVID-19.
This was contained in a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, who denied reports that most aides of Gov. Ortom had tested positive for COVID-19, saying the generalisation was uncalled for.
Akase said only some of the Governor’s close aides including his personal physician, his Aide De Camp, ADC and orderly had tested positive.
The Next Edition recalls that some weeks ago, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benson Abounu, had also disclosed that his principal, Ortom had to isolate himself when a permanent secretary and his family members tested positive to COVID-19.
According to Akase, “We earlier stated that following the COVID-19 status of some of the Governor’s close aides including his personal physician, his aide de camp and orderly, he had to go into self isolation as the protocol on prevention of the virus demands.
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He also denied that government activities have been paralysed in Benue State as expressed in the said report.
The Governors spokesman explained that “On Monday January 18, 2021, the Deputy Governor, Engineer Benson Abounu, on behalf of the Governor, swore-in a Customary Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Engo Aleje.
“The Governor himself has held several virtual meetings with different groups.
“These and many other government engagements have taken place in the last few weeks and all offices including that of the Governor have been carrying out full operations.”
“Governor Ortom has been on a working isolation because he tested negative for COVID-19. He employs virtual means, WhatsApp, telephone calls, and when necessary, holds meetings by observing physical distancing to conduct government business. He does these to protect himself and others.“
Akase also said “No one has immunity for Coronavirus and the pandemic can infect anyone. It is, therefore, advisable that those playing politics and whipping other sentiments desist from such acts.
He insisted that Governor Ortom remains committed to the task of serving the people, and no amount of blackmail can distract him.
