Group calls for investigation into COVID-19 claims of NDDC

An investigation has been requested by a civil society group, Act For Positive Initiative, to be carried out on a claim that some staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, have COVID-19.

The group urged the Nigerian Center for Disease Control NCDC, The Ministry of Health and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to look into the claim.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy and Programmes of the organisation, Mr Kolawole Johnson.

The statement reads, “We submit that this whole ploy is meant to jeopardize the ongoing probe of the commission. Our curiosity is further heightened by the slow pace of work by the National Assembly. There must not be any political settlement on the wicked rape of the people’s resources.

"We also appeal to Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who doubles as the head of PTF on COVID-19 to compel NDDC to make available, names of officials they claim are positive.”

An investigation is also demanded to be carried out on the death of the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Ibanga Etang, who is said to have died of COVID-19.