The Anambra State government and the Family of Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu have dispelled rumours that made the rounds yesterday that the Ikemba Nnewi had passed on insisting that the Biafran warlord was very much alive.
Several people, including government officials and prominent citizens around the state, contacted by LEADERSHIP to ascertain the fact, either said they were yet to hear of it or dismissed it out rightly as a lie.
The Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Valentine Obieneyem, however, told LEADERSHIP that it was just a rumour, maintaining that Ojukwu is hale and hearty in far away London hospital.
He said, “I can authoritatively announce that the Ikemba, as at today, is progressively doing well on his recovery. I have received some probing questions from journalists, and some ugly, some provocative. But Ikemba is well.”
Also an Aide to Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, who would not disclose her name in a telephone conversation, denied the information and said that they had not heard about such news.
“Mrs. Ojukwu is in Nigeria and is expected to depart for London this evening,” she said.
Meanwhile, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) yesterday dismissed rumours that, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu is dead.
Similarly, Ojukwu’s brother-in-law and younger brother to his wife, Dr. Joseph Umunnakwe Onoh, also insisted that the leader of defunct Biafra republic was still alive.
“I just spoke with Ikemba at about a quarter past four (yesterday) and you can quote me that he is alive. I also spoke with my sister (Bianca) and Emeka Jnr (Ojukwu’s son). So, please help me tell other journalists that Ojukwu is not dead, please and please again,” Onoh Jnr said.
When told that Ikemba could not speak, he replied that it was not true.
“I think that we should just wait for God’s time instead of all gossips and rumours,” he stated.
Meanwhile, there was anxiety in most parts of Enugu State yesterday following rumours that former ex Biafran Warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu had passed on.
The rumours which spread like wild fire forced many people to storm the residence of the ex Biafran leader to confirm if the rumours were true.
Ojukwu suffered a massive heart attack late last year.
He was moved from UNTH, Ituku Ozala, Enugu to a London hospital via Air Ambulance.
He has been under Intensive Care since then. ?