Dr. Alex Ekwueme has collapsed and is in coma at the Intensive Care
Unit of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, by Penok petrol station in
Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State as you read this.
The PUNCH learnt on
Tuesday night that the second republic Vice-President collapsed around
2am last Saturday, at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu.
The development comes barely 10 days (October 10) after he celebrated his 85th birthday.
Punchng.com reports:
Family members close to our correspondent said that the former vice-president went into coma soon after he collapsed.
“He
was trying to get something from the table when he suddenly collapsed
and immediately someone raised the alarm, we proceeded to revive him
while cautious enough not to attract neighbours,” a relative, who spoke
on the condition of anonymity, said.
“When
it became obvious that he had lapsed into coma, we rushed him to a
hospital (unnamed) in GRA (Government Reserved Area), but we were
referred to Memphys Hospital by medical consultants who had critically
examined his condition.”
The source said that the family chose to
keep the incident secret for a while with the hope that Ekwueme would
“miraculously” come out of coma.
“When there was no sign of
improvement on Monday afternoon, we rallied round and informed the
former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who is like a son, and
he has been making plans to fly him overseas,” the source added.
Medical
personnel at Memphys Hospital said that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of
Enugu State broke down in tears on seeing Ekwueme at the Intensive Care
Unit on Tuesday evening.
Although the governor’s visit was
enshrouded in secrecy so as not to attract the prying eyes of the media
and residents in the state, it was gathered that he could not hide his
emotions as he wailed uncontrollably.
“My namesake,
Ifeanyichukwu, do not leave us now! Even if you must go, please wait to
see your daughter become the deputy governor of Anambra State before you
leave us,” Ugwuanyi was reported to have wailed at the ICU.
Dr
Alex Ekwueme’s first daughter, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe, is running mate
to Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate for the November 18
poll in Anambra State, Oseloka Obaze.