Okorocha’s aide recounts spine injury ordeal at thanksgiving service

THE Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Special Duties to Imo State Governor, Chief Emma Ibediro, a lawyer; his family members and wife of Imo State Governor, Nkechi Okorocha, were in their happy moods on Sunday at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Aladinma, Owerri, as Ibediro, accompanied by his wife, Uzoma and their children, recounted the story his spine ailment before he was quickly flown out of the country to India at the prompting of the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, for urgent waist surgery.

At a heavily attended service conducted by the Vicar of the church, Venerable Paul Nwozuzu, the Chief of Staff, Imo Government House, Chief Uche Nwosu, Imo political appointees, Permanent Secretaries, friends and relations, Ibediro said he suddenly developed waist pain and associated problems, leading to him being rushed for treatment at a private hospital in Owerri.

He recalled: “After one week, the problem worsened and I was taken on a wheel chair.”
The six-footer said he was taken to the governor, who almost shed tears on sighting him and saying, “We cannot lose you.”

According to him, the governor directed the Director General of Imo Foundation, Mrs. Ngozi Njoku and others to process his papers for immediate journey to India for urgent medical attention.

He said almost in a space of a day, his visa was ready, leading to him being taken to the airport while on wheel chair. On arrival, he was prepared for a six-hour surgery by a team of doctors, while the governor’s wife continued praying for him on phone.

After the surgery, he said almost a day after he began to walk gradually.He thanked all those who assisted him to regain his health.

Speaking, Mrs Okorocha who was full of joy, offered praises and thanksgiving to the Almighty for restoring Ibediro’s health. She urged people in similar conditions to have faith in God for their testimony.Nwaozuzu said the hopeless should have hope in the Lord.
The thanksgiving reception was later shifted to the auditorium of the Imo State University, Owerri.