Fear Grips Cross River Government As Assembly Man, Godwin Akwaji Dies

Sources in Peregrino house and the Cross River state House of Assembly say there is palpable fear amongst aides of Governor Ben Ayade and members of the assembly after the loss of their colleague, Godwin Akwaji.

Mr. Akwaji, a first term lawmaker, was the member representing Obudu state constituency. He was the Governor’s representative.

Mr. Akwaji died on Thursday morning after about 10 days of illness suspected to be COVID-19 with medical sources claiming he was been treated at the isolation center at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. This reporter also gathered that the medical personnel who attended to him has gone on self isolation.

And, some close aides of the Governor are said to be seriously ill while the state convened a press briefing which was attended by some commissioners.

The Assembly was deserted as news of his death filtered in with aides of some lawmakers claiming they had gone to UCTH to see the remains of the deceased lawmaker.

The state says samples have been sent to the laboratory network of the Nigerian Center for Disease Control. The results are expected between Friday and Saturday.