Former Minister Prof. Akunyili’s sickness defies medical intervention

Former minister of information and communication, Dora Nkem Akunyili is critically ill and under close medical supervision.

Early this year, Saturday Independent newspaper reported that Akunyili was suffering severe health challenges and was flown abroad for treatment. There were also reports by  Daily Post  that her husband, Chike Akunyili had confirmed she was ill.

Akunyili said: “Yes, she suffered some minor health challenges but she is now okay. She is in the United States. I spoke with her today. What happened was that our son said she should come over and rest. You know all our children are abroad.

“She will soon return to the country and we will show up in a public gathering. There is a couple that wants us to sponsor their wedding. Both of us will appear in public. She is now okay.”

However, Prof. Akunyili’s special adviser on media, Isaac Umunna, dismissed the rumours of her ill health in a press statement published by CKN Nigeria  on Saturday, January 18, 2014.

The former director general of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has not made any public appearance since November 16, 2013 when she accompanied the then governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, to vote in their hometown of Agulu.

According to a relative of to the former minister who spoke with The Trent  today, March 23, 2014, Akunyili is currently having serious health challenges. The source said she has been flown to India for treatment but after series of medical tests, the doctors couldn’t diagnose the ailment.

”We are deeply concerned about our sister (Prof. Akunyili), her illness defies medical intervention,” our family source, who did not wish to be named told Trent correspondent in Abuja. “She has been to India, the doctors could not diagnose her illness. She has visited Pastor E. A. Adeboye, and yet her illness persists. This is worrisome, and distressing.”

Another source, who did not wish to be named, who visited her in her home in Abuja, also added that the health of the former NAFDAC boss is deteriorating.