The Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu says the Ministry of Finance in the State has paid all civil servants their salaries for the month of March to help them stock their homes with food items and other household items they may need as the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus continues.
He also said the banks have been advised to credit verified pensioners.
In a broadcast on Wednesday, monitored by ABN TV, Ikpeazu also revealed that he has set up a food-security team to work out necessary palliative interventions in case of a prolonged lock-down, saying the committee will source foodstuff and work out distribution modalities to Abians who critically require them.
He also highlighted other safety kits the state has put in place in tackling the virus.
“We have also procured 5,000 Facemasks produced by our tailors in Aba which we are distributing free of charge to Health Workers and those carrying out essential services within this period. This is in addition to 5,000 Hand Sanitizers which we have also procured and distributed to the same set of people. We are also procuring and distributing Personal Protective Equipments (PPE), hand gloves and medical footwear for the use of our critical responders.
“We will take steps to ensure that our aged and vulnerable people are reached with palliative food and emergency assistance using our existing Geriatric outreach.
“Government, in addition to the free distribution of essential medical and other palliative goods, will also take steps to intervene in the markets to ensure price stabilization and reduction in selling price of goods using her relevant Agencies. This is to ensure that those who are unable to get the free items do not buy them at astronomical costs.
“Dear Abians, It has been painfully brought to our notice, the fact that our traders and other service providers, have resorted to an astronomical increase in the prices of their goods and services and I wish to state that this development is simply unacceptable. The government has mandated its Agencies responsible for Consumer Protection to go round sales outlets and take necessary steps against all traders and service providers who have increased their prices without reason. This is the period we are expected to showcase our humanity and be our brother’s keepers and not an occasion to seek to exploit our hapless and helpless brethren. All those involved in these shameful practices are directed to cease forthwith or an example will be made of them.
“Let me also call on Abians to cease panic-buying and stockpiling of petrol, kerosene and other petroleum products as they are available in stations which are exempted from the lockdown. Keeping petroleum products in the house exposes occupants to the risk of fire outbreaks and we need everyone to remain safe”.
