A photo
showing an emaciated former Minister of Information, Professor Dora Akunyili,
today sparked a major frenzy on social media platforms, forcing her to issue a
statement on her Facebook page to rebut reports she is seriously sick, out of
the country and needing prayers.
“This story
is baseless, unfounded and the handiwork of mischief makers,” the outspoken
ex-Director General of the National Agency for Foods and Drug Administration
wrote, calling for it to be disregarded and discarded in its entirety.
“As every informed Nigerian knows, I am a Delegate to the National
Conference currently holding in Abuja. I was duly accredited as a Delegate and
I am currently in attendance at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja, venue of
the conference.”
The picture
making the rounds on the Internet shows a skinny version of the normally
robust-looking champion of ‘Rebrand Nigeria.' In her statement, she
confirmed that she did suffer a major disease that had led her to lose a lot of
weight.
Sources told
SaharaReporters that the former minister was stricken with cancer, for which
she received treatment in the United States for several months. Mrs. Akunyili
did not respond to our text message requesting her reaction to that report.
“While it is
true that I recently came out of a major sickness, for which I thank Almighty
God for delivering me, I have since been declared fit by my doctors and
returned to my normal activities,” her statement said. “I shed much
weight in the course of the sickness – which is normal – but I am well now and
only need time to re-grow some flesh. There is nothing to worry about either my
health or my present stature.”
Thanking all
of her friends for their love and prayers, she asserted her faith that God has
kept her alive for a purpose, the National Conference being part of that
purpose.
“For the
avoidance of doubt, I am well now, fit, strong enough and ready for this
all-important National Conference and I look forward to collaborating with
other delegates to chart the way for a better Nigeria.”
Source Sahara Reporters
Seriously if not that she personally made the statement, I would have been in doubt of that picture.
ReplyDeleteThank God she's OK now