Former Coordinator Slumb, Died After Reverification Exercises In Ebonyi

                                                          Adaeze Onuora Abakaliki

The immediate past Coordinator of Ngbo North Development Centre, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Mr Sunday Igboke, on Monday, slumped and died during reappointment reverification exercise in the state.

It was gathered that late Igboke died at about some minutes to 10pm on Monday, at the Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, in the presence of Governor David Umahi, who conducted the exercise for applicants for coordinatorship.

A source, who spoke  to ....., said before the deceased slumped and died, he had complained of rising High Blood Pressure and had, left the screening venue twice, to Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium Abakaliki, where he openly told a few associates that he was loosing strength. The source said he had thereafter, moved into one of the rest rooms at the stadium to ease himself.

"He complained of rising HBP. He told us that he spent all he earned during his first term, as Coordinator, in his wife's ill-health, which according to him, had not become better. So, he died out of desperation and maybe, felt, the process was not favouring him, he then slumped," the source said.

The source added, "The deceased must have died of High Blood Pressure, following his disqualification during the screening. He had spent all he had to attend to the wife's health challenges and needed to be reappointed at all cost, only for him to be disqualified.

..... reports that Governor Umahi is currently shopping for 51 persons to fill the vacant Coordinatorship positions at 51, out of 64 Development Centres, across the state, having appointed and sworn-in 13 persons earlier.

.... equally discovered that the screening started at the Governor's Lodge,  Government House, Abakalik,i but was later shifted to the Ecumenical Centre near Akanu Ibiam Junction, after about two LGAs had been concluded.

The deceased was later rescreened, and was allegedly not successful, based on the Governor's verdict.

The source said the deceased was seen shivering where he was seated, and some minutes later, slumped and became unconscious, as every effort to revive him, failed.

It was said that the Governor, having noticed the situation, directed that he be taken to the hospital immediately for urgent medical attention, but was reportedly confirmed dead by doctors on arrival to hospital.