The Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission [NDDC] has said that its late Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Ibanga Etang, died of COVID-19.

Etang passed away in the early hours of Thursday, May 28, 2020.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Charles Odili, the commission said the family had authorised it to announce that the late executive director tested positive to COVID-19.

The Rivers State Ministry of Health had written to the NDDC to also confirm the cause of death resulting from complications attributable to COVID-19.

”The ministry has, therefore, directed the commission to order all management staff to go into self-isolation for a period of 14 days with effect from today (Tuesday) while seeking the cooperation of the organisation in tracing staff and contractors who have had close contact with the deceased.

”During the meeting with the family, they expressed fervent desire, that the death of the executive director should not be politicised, wishing to be left alone to mourn with dignity. This also is the position of the commission,” the statement read.

The management of the NDDC, however, prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late executive director.