. Appoints Agbo deputy chief of staff
By Valentine Amanze
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has called for prayers and support in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus.
He also disclosed that the state has put in place adequate measures to prevent and control the disease.
Governor Uzodinma spoke during a reception Church Service of the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Most Rev. Moses Chikwe at St. Joseph Parish, Uzoagba on Sunday.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor reiterated the need for everyone to be careful and equally pray to God.
“There is need for all of us to be careful and cautious. The coronavirus is a reality, it is something already ravaging the world. It is something we must follow very vigilantly to ensure that the trouble it is causing in other parts of the world is not extended to Imo State,” the governor said.
Advising Imo people to upgrade their personal hygiene, Uzodimma warned against unnecessary panic, noting that some people are already falling ill because of fear and anxiety.
He dispelled the rumour that some persons have tested positive in Imo. His words: “I want to assure you that as deadly or as bad as the disease/virus is, God has been merciful to us. We have not recorded any case in Imo State as of today.”
The governor said that the state has been very proactive and has put adequate measures in place to manage the crisis situation. “From Tuesday, we will be distributing sanitizers to the local governments and churches,” the governor said.
The governor also reiterated the measures already in place in case of any eventuality. “We have put in place, a world-class isolation centre in Owerri, a standard and well equipped laboratory for testing persons suspected with symptoms of the virus. We have equally established a holding area at the Airport in Owerri with a Rapid Response Centre (RRC).”
Governor Uzodimma also assured that government under his watch was completely on top of the situation.
“We are not God but anything that is supposed to be done in the world by any human being, we have it in place in Imo State,” he said.
The governor called for support for Bishop Chikwe to succeed and lead the people to God. He urged Church leaders to support the Bishop, promising that his government will be at the forefront of support to the Bishop.
He added: “Government under my watch will not be a thing of joke. It is destined by God, Imo people have suffered deprivation and disappointments in the past. I tell you in the next 12 months, you will know that God has answered your prayers. Every good leader is chosen by God, don’t judge me with experiences of the past with politicians, judge me by what I represent and what I will do,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State at the weekend approved the appointment of Mr. Emeka Agbo as Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House.
Also, the appointment of Mr. Chinasa Nwaneri as Special Adviser (Special Duties) to the Governor has been approved.
Both appointees have since assumed office and would be formally inaugurated on Monday, March 23 by the governor.
