Former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has addressed rumors surrounding his health during his tenure, dismissing claims that he was smuggled out of Nigeria due to a severe illness. Ikpeazu clarified that while he did fall ill during the COVID-19 pandemic, he never left the country and was treated locally.
Speaking about the situation, Ikpeazu said, “It’s not easy being a prominent person in Nigeria. Idleness and joblessness fuel all kinds of speculation. What actually happened was that I took ill at my residence. Given the difficulties of that period, particularly in accessing flights, a friend of mine, Dave Umahi, managed to secure a jet from the presidential fleet to fly me to Lagos for treatment.”
However, the trip to Lagos was not without challenges. Ikpeazu explained, “I had taken a COVID-19 test, which came back negative, but the test wasn’t registered under my name to avoid public speculation. When my doctor presented the test result to the hospital in Lagos, they refused to admit me, insisting I undergo another test.” At that point, Ikpeazu had already undergone one round of dialysis, following medical advice related to kidney issues.
With Lagos off the table, a youth corps doctor suggested another option. “In the midst of two consultants, my youth corps doctor whispered that a hospital in Abuja could handle my case. With no other viable options, we headed there,” he recounted.
Ikpeazu ultimately received treatment at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre in Abuja, staying in Nigeria throughout his recovery. “There was no need to smuggle me out of Nigeria. I was treated here, and the doctor is now a friend,” he confirmed.
Daily Sun
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