COVID-19: Umahi orders reopening of sealed bank 

The Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has ordered for the immediate reopening of First Bank Plc, Eke Market branch that was sealed by the Ebonyi State COVID 19 Task Force team lead by Afikpo North Development Center Coordinator, Mrs. Amauche Otunta.

It was gathered that the taskforce sealed the bank for failure to make their customers wear face masks and ensure social distancing while transacting their business in the bank.

According to Otunta, the sealing was “to serve as a lesson to other banks that have refused to comply with the state government directives.”

But the governor has countered the sealing of the said bank and ordered for its immediate reopening.

Umahi stated that the coordinator never sought this permission or that of his Deputy, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, before sealing the bank.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the decision taken by the coordinator, noting that the coordinator would have sought the permission of his office before sealing the bank and called for the immediate unsealing of the bank premises.

The governor noted further that, though the state government would not condone the activities of commercial centers that do not comply with the safety protocols set by the state government and called for full compliance to the safety protocols.

He assured that his administration would continue to work towards safeguarding the health of all the citizens of the state and will stop the further spread of the coronavirus in the state.