The Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Tuesday announced that its erstwhile Executive Director Finance and Administration, Elder Ibanga Bassey Etang, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2020, tested positive for COVID-19.

“The family has authorized the Commission to announce that the late executive director tested positive to 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,” NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs, Charles Obi Odili, said in a statement.

He disclosed that “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.”

According to Odili, “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.”