COVID-19: Gov. Udom Pay Workers Salary To Aide Stay-At-Home
Akwa Ibom State government has on Thursday, March 26 began the payment of its worker’s salary to help them with house-hold needs and others at this period of total lockdown due to Coronavirus outbreak in the country.
The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement from the State Governor, Emmanuel Udom which was disclosed by the secretary to the state governor, Emmanuel Ekuwem.
According to the statement, governor Udom has ordered the immediate payment of salaries which is to start on March 26 (today) ahead of a one-week stay-at-home break, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, it was stated in the announcement that all borders in and out of the state will be shut down as ordered by governor Udom.
The statement reads: “Following a critical analysis of the situation relating to COVID-19 situation, I have been directed by HE the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to make the following announcements,”
“Salaries of state government workers for the month of March will be paid today, Thursday, March 26, 2020.
“Workers are advised to prepare to stop going to work and stay at home for one (1 ) week with effect from Monday 30 March, 2020. The stay-at-home order will be strongly enforced.
“All borders and roads leading in and out of the state are closed with immediate effect; except for the transportation of food items.
“Ibom Air will suspend all flight operations from Sunday, 29 March 2020. Markets are to remain open for the sale of foodstuff and essential items only.”
”All Churches are strongly requested to fast and pray for God’s mercies on Sunday 29 March 2020.
“Residents and citizens are strongly advised to apply all the preventive measures earlier announced.”
”While the one-week stay-at-home order subsists, the state government will continue to monitor and provide regular updates on any development in the COVID-19 situation in our state,”
“Although there is no confirmed COVID-19 case in Akwa Ibom State, we abide by the ancient adage that ” prevention is better than cure”.
Governor Udom also admonished all residents and citizens; including professional bodies, to avoid spreading of fake information that can cause fear, whipping up selfish and myopic sentiments and fanning the embers of discord for pecuniary or political gains.