Ojukwu’s Chief of Staff dismisses report on failing health

By Tony Edike

ENUGU—PRINCE Bob Onyema, former Chief of Staff to the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, yesterday, dismissed as false reports that he was recently struck with cancer, saying he only traveled to India recently for an eye operation.

He also said it was wrong for anybody to insinuate that he was abandoned by Ojukwu’s widow, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, when he needed assistance for medical treatment abroad, explaining that he had never complained to anybody that he was abandoned by Ojukwuj’s wife, his associates or anybody else.

Prince Onyema said in a telephone interview that he worked with Ojukwu for 17 years and was with him until his death in London in November last year.

File: An undated photo of Chief Ojukwu at an Igbo National Assembly meeting.

Onyema said he had  a very cordial relationship with the late Ikemba and members of his family.

He said: “I wish to inform you that what had been written about my health condition is not correct. Since Ojukwu died, I have not spoken to the press regarding my relationship with Ikemba and members of his family.

“It is, therefore, unfair for anybody to insinuate that I have something against his widow.  I had a problem with my left eye and traveled recently to India for medical attention and I worked with Ojukwu for 17 years and never had any disagreement with him.

“I have no reason whatsoever to complain about what is happening after Ojukwu’s death.”