Campaign Rally-Nigeria - The health condition of the Enugu State Deputy Governor, Sunday Onyebuchi, has remained uncertain since information filtered into town that he slumped and passed out at Nsukka on Tuesday. Onyebuchi, who was re-nominated by Governor Sullivan Chime as his running mate for April 16 governorship election under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, slumped and fainted at Ogige Market, Nsukka, where he was canvassing for votes from traders. Eyewitnesses said that as the campaign, which doubled as almanac launch for Ogige market traders, was in progress, Onyebuchi was invited to speak.

But as soon as he rose from his seat, he slumped and fainted thereby throwing the traders and those in attendance into panic, the sources added.

Security operatives and aides were said to have made frantic efforts to revive him at the scene.

However, they reportedly rushed him into his official car and sped away from the event when that he was not responding to First Aid.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told Daily Independent that Onyebuchi's condition was critical as doctors were attending to him in his resident as at press time.

But, Chuks Ugwoke, Commissioner of Information and Culture, said that it was simply human and natural for somebody to suffer exhaustion after traversing the entire 17 local government areas of the state, canvassing for votes.

"Having covered all the 17 local government areas, including markets and still continuing with the campaigns, it is simply human and natural for those involved to be exhausted.

"It is quite wicked for anybody to say that he slumped because it didn't happen. It is insensitive for anybody to allege anything serious or sinister.

"As I speak to you, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, is in his residence, hale and hearty.

"I was with him in Nsukka and this is the truth and nothing but the truth that is also verifiable", Ugwoke said.

The latest incident was the second time a top government functionary in Enugu State would slump at a public function.

In 2008, Governor Chime slumped and passed out during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at Michael Okpara Square in Enugu.

Flanked by the security chiefs, the governor had inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by military men before moving towards the cenotaph of the 'Unknown Soldier', to perform the laying of wreath and other rituals associated with the Armed Forces Day celebration.

Emmanuel Nzomiw

Daily Independent/30/03/2011