Anxiety over Ekwueme’s health as family says ‘he’s now stable’

ANXIETY over the health condition of the former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, heightened in Enugu, the Enugu State capital, on Wednesday, following an unconfirmed news that the elder-statesman collapsed at the weekend and went into coma in his Enugu residence at independence Layout, Enugu.

Reports said that Dr Ekwueme was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Enugu where he was placed in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for resuscitation.

The Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the former governor of Anambra State were said to have visited Dr Ekwueme in Memphys hospital, Enugu, on Tuesday.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Memphys Hospital, Dr Sam Ohaegbulam, Enugu told reporters through telephone that he cannot comment on the matter and that newsmen should contact the family of Dr Ekwueme to speak on his health condition.

When Tribune Online visited the Enugu residence of the elder-statesman, there was upsurge of visitors even as the atmosphere was calm with unusual movement in the premises.

Meanwhile, family of former Vice President of Nigeria, Dr Alex Ekwueme, on Wednesday, said Ekwueme, who has been admitted in hospital for a chest infection, remains in stable condition.

Professor Laz Ekwueme, who disclosed this, on behalf of the family, however said that Ekwueme would remain under close medical attention, in line with doctors’ advice.

Ekwueme was reported to have been rushed to the hospital on Sunday, October 29, 2017, following an aggravation in his recent health challenges.

In apparent recognition of his health challenges, Ekwueme only marked his 85th birthday on October 21, 2017, in a low key manner.

The statement read, “Dr. Alex I. Ekwueme, GCON, the former Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, was on Sunday 29th October 2017 admitted into hospital for a chest infection.”

“It will be recalled that the former Vice President had a quiet celebration of his 85th birthday on 21st October 2017 in the company of his family members and remained in high spirits up till his recent health challenges.”

“His doctors confirm that he is stable, but he will remain under close medical attention in the mean time.”

“The family would like to express its profound gratitude to all Nigerians who have shown concern over this development and requests their sustained support and prayers as he continues to make a full recovery.”