Covid-19: Imo Governor calls for prayers

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has called for prayers and support in the fight against the spread of Coronavirus, assuring that the state has put in place adequate measures to prevent and control the disease.

Governor Uzodinma, who spoke on Sunday during a reception Church Service of the Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr. Moses Chikwe at St. Joseph Parish, Uzoagba, 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, Governor Uzodimma warned against unnecessary panic, noting that some people are already falling ill because of fear and anxiety.

He dispelled the rumour making the rounds on social media that some persons have tested positive in Imo. The Governor said: “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 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 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.

In his speech, Bishop Chikwe thanked the Governor, his Deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku and other government functionaries who graced the occasion in his honour.

Also speaking, the Catholic Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Anthony J.V. Obinna assured the governor of the Church’s support to succeed in his plan for Imo. He however harped on the need for proper and prompt refuse disposal and general cleanliness as panacea to the Corona virus pandemic.