COVID-19: Lawmaker Was ‘Frolicking’ When Scaremongers Branded Him As ‘Delta Index Case’

Prince Eric Oharisi, the member representing Ughelli North Constituency II in the Delta State House of Assembly, was frolicking with some of his colleagues when rumour mongers branded him as the ‘coronavirus disease (COVID-19) index case in the State’.

Dependable source told BIGPEN that Oharisi was with the State House of Assembly Minority Leader, Tim Owhefere who had quarantined himself some weeks ago for the period of 14-days after he returned from the United States.

It was learnt that the lawmakers including a commissioner and a south-south PDP leader were frolicking for reasons yet to be fathom without pretense for the social distancing COVID-19 regulations, when scaremongers went to town that Oharisi was Delta index case following his return from Germany some months ago.

“Eric was with Hon Tim Owhefere, Majority leader of the House this evening (Tuesday Night) up till 6:pm with friends drinking before he drove away. He returned from Germany over two months ago. it is not possible to have fallen ill 3 hours ago, tested and sample sent to Irrua Specialist Hospital today and results came out. Its all fake news”, a senior delta citizen (name withheld) said while trying to dismissed the speculations.

Oharisi would later debunked the speculation making the round about his status, saying that he never tested positive to the deadly virus. He described the rumour as tissue of lies, saying he was with some friends that same evening, first time of going out since the lockdown before retiring home.

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa had urged Deltans to maintain calm in face of the outbreak of the virus in the State.

BIGPEN had reported that shortly after NCDC confirmed the COVID-19 index case in the State, the Governor took to his official Twitter handle to allay fears of Deltans.

“This evening, a patient in Delta State tested positive for the #COVID19 virus. This index case is already receiving the necessary treatment at one of our isolation centers. Tomorrow morning, I will be addressing our citizens on developments surrounding this case.

“Again, I ask that you all remain calm at this time and continue to adhere to the precautionary measures and isolation directives that we have put in place to keep you and your families safe. I have no doubt whatsoever that we will all get through this together,” the Governor tweeted.