Ebonyi State Government has announced a pardon for most violators of its directives on COVID-19 restrictions and prevention in the state.
The pardon was announced yesterday by the state governor, Engr Dave Umahi in a broadcast after the state Security Council Meeting in Abakaliki.
The weekly special Security Council meeting had in attendance, members of the State Security Council, members of the State Anti-Coronavirus Committee, Council Chairmen, Leadership of Coordinators’ Forum and the Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council in attendance.
Among the decisions reached was that all suspensions placed on government functionaries, including those of the State Executive Council members and Coordinators of Development Centres, be lifted, with a clause that all officeholders who fail to carry out their official duties diligently shall henceforth be removed from office.
In the broadcast, Governor Umahi stated further that all persons placed on half salaries and other government functionaries placed on working suspension for not conforming to the State Government’s directives have been graciously pardoned.
He said, “The two hotels sealed in connection with contraventions of Covid-19 Regulations are hereby unsealed.
“All those being held for trial for contravening Ebonyi State Corona Virus and Other Dangerous (Infectious) Diseases and Related Matters Laws 005, 2020 and those who have been convicted for various offences under the Law are hereby pardoned.
The governor, however, warned that with effect from Wednesday 13th May, 2020, all persons who contravene the Corona Virus Law should know that there may not be another day of grace.
He further said the State Government has commenced the distribution of palliatives to the vulnerable persons across the state as well as those in the diaspora.
Umahi announced the approval of a window for burial from 15th to 23rd May, 2020.
“In this connection, therefore, all persons who want to bury their loved ones that died outside the state are free to do so, provided that they undertake to comply with the State COVID-19 Regulations and Precautionary measures. Please, contact the Ministry of Information and State Orientation for procedures and necessary clearance”.
