Ailing Governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime arrived in the country this morning, after about five months of controversial disappearance from the state.
The governor, alleged to be suffering from cancer of the thyroid gland, landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja in the wee hours of the day and proceeded to see top government officials in Aso Rock.
Confirming his arrival, Enugu State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chuks Ugwoke said the governor would be received in the state later in the day, as he was in Abuja at the time.
Asked why the governor’s health status was not made public, the commissioner refrained from giving a definitive answer, saying all that matters is the governor’s return to the country.
He maintained that the governor did not travel primarily for health reasons, but that he actually went on vacation; and it was while on vacation that got involved in some other matters.
“He went on leave; he was on vacation and the constitution does not state what time the governor must spend,” he said. “You can use your vacation to do some other things. During his vacation, he had the advantage and opportunity to do some other things he deemed necessary.”
He emphasised that contrary to claims by “the opposition,” the constitution does not state categorically the number of days a sitting governor can spend on vacation. Moreover, he claimed that the governor handed over to his deputy, Sunday Onyenbuchi, as required by the constitution.
“The good news is that the governor is back. He is in Nigeria and we should refuse to go back to yesterday,” he said.
A government source had told Huhuonline.com around mid-night that the governor had confirmed he would be arriving the country today but the source could not confirm the particular flight the governor would be boarding.
“His coming is primarily to douse the tension that arose from his absence,” he source said. “He would be travelling from time to time for medical check-ups.
He also said those who the governor spoke with on Wednesday evening to inform them of his return confirmed that his voice was audible enough to know that he was strong to continue the job.
Chime’s prolonged absence and its management by the state government had resulted in the formation of the Save Enugu Group (SEG), which attempted to force the hand of the government into stating the governor’s whereabouts and confirm the deputy governor as substantive governor, if it was discovered that the governor had become incapacitated.
But the group however stepped down its struggle recently after the state House of Assembly said the governor wrote a letter to the House, informing the lawmakers of his travelling for vacation.
PDP, SEG Gladdened by Chime’s Return
Nevertheles,the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Save Enugu Group (SEG) have congratulated the citizens and residents of Enugu State over the return of Governor of the state, Sullivan Chime from London where he was admitted and treated for an ailment suspected to be cancer of the thyroid gland.
In two different statements, the two groups expressed their happiness to receive news of the governor’s return.
“We were reliably informed that Governor Chime arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, on a British Airways flight from London Heathrow and moved to the Enugu Lodge in Abuja,” SEG said.
“We note that this event is taking place exactly one month after we first sounded the alarm of prolonged and unexplained absence. We acclaim this as falling within desired responsive action of leaders in a democracy.
“If further information on the frail condition of the Governor is reliable, we wish to state that H.E. Governor Chime did not deserve being hustled out of ‘gainful stay’ in good health institutions if the right things were done first and before questions arose.”
In the statement, signed by its convener, Maxi Okwu, SEG said it would hold those in government responsible for whatever negative thing that happens to the governor if indeed he was smuggled into the country.
PDP, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to God for restoring the governor’s good health so that he can “continue with the excellent work he is doing in Enugu State.”
In a statement signed and released by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, PDP further commended the functionaries of the Enugu State government and the state PDP officers for their loyalty and commitment to the ideals of the party and the Chime-led administration.
Reiterating that the support for the governor was a sure sign that the people of the state appreciate his good works, PDP expressed confidence that the governor would consolidate on the tremendous achievements of his administration now that he is back to work.
