The Benue State House of Assembly has suspended plenary to allow for members and members of staff to subject themselves to COVID-19 screening.
This decision was arrived at after the noticable spike in cases of the disease in the state.
Recall that the Governor’s wife and son, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Tony Ijohor, Chief of Staff, Terwase Orbunde, the Vice Chancellor of Benue State University, BSU, Makurdi, Msugh Kembe, had all tested positive to the virus.
Chairman, Committee on Information and Orientation, BSHA, Mr. Tertsea Gbiseh, in a statement said it has become necessary that the members get themselves tested to know their status.
“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.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: Benue Assembly Resumes Sitting, Limits Number Of Visitors To Assembly Complex
“Plenary will resume as soon as leadership of the Assembly determines it is 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,” Gbiseh said.