Ojukwu in stable condition, says London hospital
BY VINCENT UJUMADU
AWKA— AUTHORITIES of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, where the ailing former Biafran warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu is receiving treatment, has debunked media reports that the Ikemba Nnewi’s condition had deteriorated, insisting that he is in a stable condition.
A statement signed by the hospital’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Joe Wise, and made available to Vanguard read: “We have been requested by the family of General Odumegwu-Ojukwu to clarify newspaper reports regarding his stay as a patient at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
“General Odumegwu-Ojukwu was admitted to Royal Berkshire Hospital as an emergency patient from the Lynden Hill Clinic. He was suffering from a chest infection for which he received treatment. His condition is stable.”
“Contrary to reports published in a number of newspapers, the General has not suffered any further strokes; he is not on a life support machine and has not been on one at any time while a patient in the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The General’s treatment is being funded privately.
“Any further media enquiries should be directed to the public relations department, but further statements will only be issued at the request of the General’s family.”
Vanguard recalls that there was heightened tension in the country early this week following reports by some on-line publications that Ojukwu had a relapse.
However, his Chief of Staff, Mr. Bob Onyema debunked the report, describing it as the handwork of those who do not mean well for Igboland.
Senior special assistant to Governor Peter Obi on media and publicity, Mr. Valentine Obienyem said yesterday in Awka that since the governor observed that people were using Ikemba’s sickness for other purposes, he directed his aides not to make further comments on him. Rather, he said, people should always remember him in prayers.
Obienyem said Obi is solely responsible for Ojukwu’s medical bill, which, he said, the governor had refused to make public, adding that the governor’s assistance was that of a son to his father which should not be sensationalized for any reason.
