Ailing Ojukwu Flown Abroad

Ailing former Biafran warlord and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) presidential candidate in 2003 and 2007 respectively, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, has finally been flown out of the country to the United Kingdom for further medical treatment via an air ambulance.

Ojukwu whose health has continued to deteriorate was first rushed to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, (UNTH) Ituku Ozalla, Enugu state, last Sunday and was admitted at the Accident and Emergency Department until yesterday, when he was flown abroad through the newly upgraded Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

The white coloured air ambulance marked D-CSIX touched ground at the Airport at exactly 10.45 am, directly from the United Kingdom with a team of medical experts, while Ojukwu arrived at 11.40 am.

Ojukwu, who was conveyed to the Airport with an ambulance from UNTH, Enugu under tight security, was accompanied by his wife, Barrister Bianca Ojukwu, his son, Emeka Ojukwu (Jnr), and a few other family members.

It was also gathered that the air ambulance which delayed for almost 2 hours at the Air force wing of the Enugu Airport before taking-off at about 1.52 pm, was chartered by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, who was reported to have also promised to foot the medical bills incurred in the course of treating the Nnewi-born politician in the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Ojukwu’s failing health, has continued to generate anxiety not only in Enugu where he resides, but in the entire Igbo land as it is now common to see people discussing the worrisome development at public places, market places and beer palours, among other places, even as the Ndigbo have been advised to remember the Ikemba Nnewi, who is one of the committed and recognised Igbo leaders, in their daily prayers, for quick recovery.