Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, who reportedly traveled out of the country in September 2012, is battling heart disease in London’s Cromwell Hospital.
According to Sahara reporters, Chime applied for an accumulated leave that ought to have lasted only one and a half months. However, the condition of the governor, whose medical sojourn started in India, has remained dire.
It was learnt that the prolonged absence of the Governor, has left the state under the complete control of his Chief of Staff, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo and the Deputy Governor Sunday Onyebuchi, who is limited to monetary spending limit of not more than N500, 000 at a time.
Before becoming governor, Mr. Chime was Enugu state’s Attorney General in the government of now-indicted former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani.
Following the disappearance from public view of Governor Chime in 2012, the state has witnessed an increase in the assassinations of some prominent citizens in the state.
Emeka Agwu, a man described as vocal and fearless, was assassinated in December 2012. He hailed from Udi, the same local government area as the governor.
Other assassinations, including those of Ogbo Edoda and Ikeckucku Alagwu, a coordinator of MDG projects in two LGAs, have sent fear throughout the state and chilled notable voices. So far, there are no investigations into those murders.
A few days ago, a pro-democracy association of Enugu State citizens which calls itself the Save Enugu Group, called on Acting Governor Onyebuchi to make a “categorical explanation” on the condition and whereabouts of Governor Chime.