The management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has confirmed that its late Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Ibanga Etang, died of complications from coronavirus (COVID-19).
The commission had last Thursday raised fears of coronavirus after it shut its head office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and asked staff to go on self-isolation immediately.
The directives followed Etang’s death on same day at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt around 2am.
The commission then released a statement, saying the cause of death has not been confirmed.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Charles Odili, said the family of the deceased authorised the commission to announce that the late executive director tested positive for COVID-19.
“The Rivers State Ministry of Health has written to the Commission to also confirm the cause of death resulting from complications attributable to COVID-19,” he said.
“The ministry has, therefore, directed the Commission to order all management staff to go into self-isolation for a period of 14 days with effects from today, While seeking the cooperation of the organisation in tracing staff and contractors who have had close contact with the deceased.
“During the meeting with the family, they expressed fervent desire, that the death of the Executive Director should not be politicised, wishing to be left alone to mourn with dignity. This also is the position of the Commission.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of our Executive Director Finance and Administration, Elder lbanga Bassey Etang.”
Etang was part of the NDDC’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
His death comes at the time when the commission’s finances are undergoing scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of N40 billion.
