By SUNNY OKIM

The Akwa Ibom State Government has rejected the 10 purportedly used vehicles donated by ExxonMobil for use in the COVID-19 contact tracing in the state.

This development was disclosed toNews Expressearlier today via a statement signed by the state's Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Udoh.

According to the state's image maker, the decision was taken at the State COVID-19 Committee meeting on Saturday following an evaluation of the vehicles and other donations to the state by the oil company.

"The vehicles are considered too old and not in good enough operational conditions to withstand the rigors of contact tracing which they were meant to serve," said Udoh.

"However, The state government has accepted the two ambulances and 20 hospital beds also donated by the oil company, despite the fact that the ambulances are converted buses while the beds are below the standard of those currently in secondary healthcare facilities in the state," he added.

The commissioner stated that Akwa Ibom State Government appreciates the continued support of corporate bodies and private individuals who have so far made cash or other materials donations towards the fight against COVID-19 in the state.

He advised the citizens and residents of the state to continue to maintain prescribed safety protocols.