Photo:Ojukwu and Sons
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The younger Ojukwu, who was reacting to what he described as the desperation of politicians to drag his father’s name into politics said the family was hugely ‘disappointed’ at the trend.
In a statement released in Abuja yesterday on behalf of the Ojukwu family, Ojukwu II thanked all who have shown genuine interest in the recovery of its patriarch by lamented: “I wish to seize this opportunity to express the family’s disappointment in the conduct of a few persons who have continued to drag the name of my father into politics, especially at this his most trying moment, when he is not in any position to respond to what is being said or done in his name.”
He said the Ikemba, although has recorded appreciable improvement in his health since he was taken abroad, he has remained much in the same state that he was flown out – unable to communicate his thoughts either in words or in writing to anybody.
His words: “Until I left the United Kingdom last week, the progress made by my father in his recovery has not developed to the point of his being able to communicate his views and opinions to anybody, including myself, orally or in writing. In fact, this has been his condition since the crisis in December last year.”
The statement reads titled, Expression of Gratitude reads in full:
“On behalf of the family of Dim Chukwuemeka-Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Eze Igbo Gburugburu), I issue this statement to express our profound gratitude to governments, leaders, associations and persons who have continued to pray for the speedy recovery of the patriarch of the family, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
I appreciate especially, the solidarity, support and assistance of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I extend similar gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of Anambra State. The governors of the other states in the South-East geopolitical zone, the Nigerian media, religious organizations, the Nigerian people especially Ndigbo in Nigeria and all over the world and several other persons and organizations, who have continued to pray fervently for the recovery of my father.
“I wish to assure the general public that there has been steady improvement in Eze Igbo’s health condition, having just returned from the United Kingdom where he is currently hospitalized. I thank Almighty God for the improvement recorded so far. The quality of the treatment he is receiving and the prayers of his numerous admirers and well-wishers have been most helpful and reassuring.
“However, I wish to seize this opportunity to express the family’s disappointment in the conduct of a few persons who have continued to drag the name of my father into politics, especially at this his most trying moment, when he is not in any position to respond to what is being said or done in his name. In circumstances such as the one the family has found itself in, it is only the natural spokesperson of the family who is my humble self as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu II, his son, that is expected to speak on his behalf whenever the need arises. Similarly, comments on his specific medical condition or progress are to be made by the hospital authorities who are currently managing his treatment.
“Until I left the United kingdom last week, the progress made by my father in his recovery has not developed to the point of his being able to communicate his views and opinions to anybody including myself, orally or in writing. In fact, this has been his condition since the crisis in December last year. It is therefore, in absolute bad taste, disrespectful and unethical for some people to engage in certain political comments and purport to have obtained my father’s consent and approval for such comments, when there is no truth in such claims. It is in the same like manner that the family views certain exaggerated statements on the recovery of my father without the authorization of the medical authorities who are managing his health.
These developments have embarrassed the family greatly.
“I therefore appeal to the persons concerned to moderate their comments and desist from subjecting Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu (Eze Igbo Gburugburu) to political commitments and engagements without his consent especially during this challenging time in his life.
“I appeal to all wishers and admirers of my father not to relent in their prayers, solidarity and support for his speedy recovery. By the special grace of God, he will return to Nigeria healthy enough to resume his contributions to national development.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
May the Almighty God bless you all.
May God bless Nigeria.”
•Hon. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu II
Fmr. Commissioner for Special Duties and Transport, Anambra State.
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