Anxiety Over Gov Imoke’s Health

Anxiety and fear heightened in Calabar last night over unconfirmed reports that Governor Liyel Imoke’s health has worsened in an undisclosed hospital abroad where he is said to be undergoing medical check-up.

Imoke has not been seen in office since mid-November, fueling speculations that his health may have nose-dived. This report spread like wild fire yesterday.

Last week, his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Christian Ita, said in a press release that the governor had written to the State House of Assembly to embark on a two-month accumulative leave.

“Some 3 weeks ago, His Excellency took a short break after a long hectic and eventful year, all preparatory to the start of the busy Calabar Festival season. He used the opportunity to undergo medicals and in the course of so doing, was advised by his doctors to undergo further evaluation.”

However, the Cross River state Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Rickett, told Blueprint in Calabar yesterday that the governor’s health was not as bad as portrayed.

Rickett said the governor was undergoing proper medical check-up and analysis and that there was no iota of truth in the alleged failing health of the governor.

He said despite the fact that Imoke formally wrote to the state House of Assembly for a two-month accumulative leave, “from all indications, we are expecting him before the end of two months.

Rickett said: “You know, the man is a workaholic. He took time out of his tight schedule to go for full medical check-up and evaluations. After that he will proceed on vacation so that he will come back energised and fully prepared to carry on his work without any form of disturbance.”

Source: Blueprint