· State House of Assembly Forced on Indefinite Break As Cases Spike
THE Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Benue State University (BSU) Makurdi, Prof Zacharys Anger Gundu, has publicly admitted to have tested positive for covid-19. Prof Gundu made his health status known in a message to the Vice Chancellor of the University dated July 9, 2020 and sighted by National Record.
Prof Gundu urged the Vice Chancellor and everyone in the university “to learn and practice online meetings as much as possible” and emphatically cautioned: “This is not a joke. Our lives have to come first for us to survive to be able to carry the university idea as a priority. This responsibility has fallen into our hands today. Together we cannot falter, we cannot disappoint. We cannot rest on our oars. It is going to be a long night but God and history are on side.”
The entire message to the VC reads: “This is to write and inform you that samples collected from me and sent to Abuja for COVID-19 testing returned a positive test result to me today (9/7/2020). A few days after the samples were taken and sent to Abuja, I went into one of the isolation facilities in Makurdi. I am writing to plead with you to take this pandemic seriously. It is blind to relations, friendships and knows neither enemy nor friend. It is not partisan. Already we have lost Professor Godwin Achinge and a senior security staff. A few other staff have tested positive and are in isolation for management. Our prayers are with families of the deceased and those in isolation, and we are hopeful that all of them will recover to continue the toil in the university’s vineyard.
“This is not a time for rumors and finger pointing, what is happening is beyond humanity’s present understanding and control; that is just the truth. Those who are prone to going to social medial with innuendoes, rumors and accusations must stop, no matter how much they think they are provoked.
“Whatever is happening must lead us to working more responsibly so that we can keep our university together for our tomorrow and our children’s future.
“Going forward I urge all to learn and practice online meetings as much as possible. This is not a joke. Our lives have to come first for us to survive to be able to carry the university idea as a priority. This responsibility has fallen into our hands today. Together we cannot falter, we cannot disappoint. We cannot rest on our oars. It is going to be a long night but God and history are on side.
“For those in isolation, I wish you very quick recovery and once more my prayer is that we will soon come out of the tunnel to continue with our toils.
“The new staff whose salaries have not been paid will soon be paid. There were outstanding issues the Visitor wanted explained to him. Explanations have been given and we are hopeful that this unfortunate delay, which, continues to cause much pain to you, will be resolved very soon to show you mean so much to the university and are the cornerstone of our future.
“Accept the best of my regards and please, it’s our responsibility to stay safe. Do not cede that responsibility, take it with your two hands and use it wisely. God in heaven is watching over us and will see us through this pandemic.”
House of Assembly Forced on Indefinite Break
Meanwhile following increased infections in the state, the Benue State House of Assembly has suspended plenary to enable lawmakers and members of staff to subject themselves to covid-19 screening.
Hon Tertsea Gbiseh, Chairman, committee on Information and Orientation, Benue State House of Assembly made this public through a notice sighted by National Record on Friday. Hon Gbiseh said the decision was arrived at after the noticeable spike in covid-19 cases around the state.
“Going by the nature of the Assembly’s functions which warrants us to interact closely with constituents at the grassroots on one hand and top government functionaries in Ministries, Departments and Agencies on the other hand, it has become imperative to embark on regular covid-19 tests due to the risk of exposure encountered in the disposal of our duties. Plenary will resume as soon as leadership of the Assembly determines it’s safe to do so.
“We commend the State Action Task Force on covid-19 for their effort thus far and urge them to do more by making test centres readily accessible to all those willing to confirm their covid-19 status in the state.
“The Assembly sympathises with all those who have tested positive to the virus and wish them speedy recovery. We also urge all citizens of the state to adhere to the covid-19 protocols for staying safe.
“Covid-19 is not a death sentence please stay safe for yourself and members of your family,” the notice stated.
