Ailing Nigerian former vice president, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichuku Ekwueme (GCON) is hale and hearty, one of his caregivers has declared, debunking rumors of his alleged death.
An official of Memfys Neuro-surgical Hospital in Enugu, where Dr Ekwueme is currently admitted, told newsmen on Tuesday that the elder statesman is responding to treatment.
The official reiterated that ”Ekwueme is still in Memfys Hospital” despited orders from President Muhammadu Buhari that he should be flown abroad for better care.
The official maintained that Mr Ekwueme was receiving the best attention from the hospital. He was also quoted as saying that though the hospital would not give out information about its patients, “but the news about his death are rumors ”.
“He is recovering and doing well. People should not spread false information. The family members are always here,” the official said.
The former vice president was admitted into the hospital for chest infection. The Federal Government had undertaken to fly him abroad for special attention once he is more stable.
Igwe Laz Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Oko community in Orumba North Local Government of Anambra, corroborated the hospital official’s statement. According to him, Ekwueme is alive and recovering from illness.
Laz, who is also the younger brother to the former Vice President, said in a telephone interview in Awka on Tuesday that people had called the family to ask about the state of the elder statesman.
“You people should stop disturbing me with all these calls. Ekwueme is alive and recovering please,” he said.