The death of Ibanga Bassey Etang, executive director, finance and administration of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has confirmed by the commission.

Etang is said to have died from COVID-19 complications.

Following his death, the commission shut its head office in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital, while urging its staff to self isolate immediately.

The action fueled rumours that Etang had lost his life to COVID-19 but the commission had asked the public to disregard such reports.

However, in a statement yesterday, Charles Odili, NDDC’s director of corporate affairs, said the family of the deceased authorised the commission to announce that the late executive director tested positive for COVID-19.

“The Rivers State Ministry of Health has written to the Commission to also confirm the cause of death resulting from complications attributable to COVID-19,” he said.

“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.

“We pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of our Executive Director Finance and Administration, Elder lbanga Bassey Etang.”