There are mounting fears over the deteriorating health of former Vice President, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, with reports that he is under intensive medical care after collapsing at his Enugu countryhome recently.
According to family sources, Ekwueme, who was deputy to President Shehu Shagari between 1979 and 1983 under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN)’s Presidency, has not been feeling quite well these past months with family doctors always on hand to monitor his health condition.
Reports also quoted The PUNCH as saying that the 85-year old elder statesman “collapsed around 2 am last Saturday, at his residence in Independence Layout, Enugu”, adding that he was taken to ‘the Intensive Care Unit of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, by Penok petrol station in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State.’
Giving further insight on the veteran politician’s ailing health, the reports said family sources hinted that ex-Vice President went to retrieve something from a nearby table when he unexpectedly buckled and passed out. He was however revived temporarily without attracting the attention from neighbours.
According to the reports; “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.”
It further said the development had before now been kept secret with the hope that the former Nation’s number two citizen would “miraculously” recover from his state of unconsciousness.
Additionally, the reports stated that as at Monday afternoon, there were still no clear signs of improvement as some family members moved to inform Ekwueme’s close associates and political family, including former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, seen by many as his son, with plans for the ailing politician to be flown abroad for further medical checks.
