The Benue State House of Assembly has been shut down following the confirmation that the speaker and some of the members have tested positive for Coronavirus.
According to a press statement signed by Chairman, Committee on Information and Orientation, BSHoA, Tertsea Gbiseh, series of routine COVID-19 tests conducted on members of the Benue State House of Assembly and staff, including the Speaker, Titus Uba, and some of the samples returned positive results.
He said the NCDC officials in their report confirmed that the Speaker Mr. Titus Uba, representing Kyan constituency and Mr. Tertsea Gbiseh representing Kwande East constituency have so far tested positive to the virus, while results of other members and staff are been awaited.
The statement read in part, “As a result of this development, the speaker has ordered the immediate closure of the Assembly complex and directed the fumigation of the premises.
“The Assembly by virtue of its official functions and constituency responsibilities stand the natural risk of exposure to carriers of the virus despite the adherence to personal hygiene and COVID-19 safety protocols, and just like every other public worker, it is an occupational hazard that comes with service.
“The affected members have immediately gone into self isolation and full treatment on them has commenced in line with COVID-19 protocols. While RT. Hon. Uba and Hon Gbiseh are without symptoms they are at the moment assisting the NCDC in contact tracing.
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“The Speaker commends the State Action Committee on covid-19 on the work done so far and urged them to do more especially in the area of accessible test centres”.
He also pleaded with the public to assist the fight by observing the basic safety processes of constant hand washing and sanitizing while maintaining social distancing when it is necessary to be in public.
He noted that what is being experienced is community transmission and the responsibility to halt the dreaded virus lies with everyone.
Gbiseh said the state legislature will resume plenary when the Speaker determines it is safe to do so under advisement from relevant health workers.
He said in the meantime, all important communications will be relayed to members and members of staff via virtual meetings.
“We regret any inconveniences this development might cause our constituents but we must be alive to serve you. The house leadership will work with the NCDC to confirm the health status of other Members and staffs and same will be made available to the Press appropriately”, he said.
