Benue Governor Ortom Tests Positive For COVID-19

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, says his latest test for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has returned a positive result.

The governor had been isolated days ago after his personal physician, aide de camp, and an orderly tested positive for the virus.

The 59-year-old said he has already commenced treatment even though he has shown no symptoms.

The governor further asked those who have been in contact with him in the past few days to get tested.

“I encourage the people not to be afraid of going for COVID-19 test as only doing so would help in containing the spread of the disease,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq cancels pension for former Kwara governors, deputies

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, on Tuesday, signed the N137.6 billion 2021 Appropriation Bill into law.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor signed the budget, with an assurance that his administration would build on the ongoing infrastructural development and increase investments in social protection and youth empowerment.

AbdulRazaq also assented to the bill repealing pension payments to former governors and former deputy governors in the state.

NAN reports that this was sequel to the widespread support given to the bill during public hearings at the Assembly.

The governor had, in November 2020, sought the repeal of the law, in fulfillment of his campaign promise and response to public opposition to the pension packages hitherto being enjoyed by the former helmsman.

Speaker of the Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, who led members to the brief signing ceremony, told the governor that members of the public were unanimous about the need to repeal the law during the hearing.

Signing the appropriation bill into law, the governor commended the lawmakers for their hard work, stressing that the budget would build on the achievements of previous years in the areas of education, health and road infrastructure.

“We are also focusing on youth empowerment, job creation and social investments, which are very critical at this point of our national life,” he said.