Posted by From CHIDI NNADI and PETRUS OBI, Enugu on
The weeklong Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration ended on a dramatic note in Enugu State Tuesday as the governor, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, collapsed mid-way into the ceremony.
• I was exhausted and passed out, he says
The weeklong Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration ended on a dramatic note in Enugu State Tuesday as the governor, Sullivan Iheanacho Chime, collapsed mid-way into the ceremony.
Chime had arrived the Okpara Square venue of the event hale and hearty, and had stood for about 46 minutes observing the rituals that follow the remembrance celebration when suddenly his legs wobbled, making his aides quickly assist him to return to his seat at the VIP stand.
The aides tried to resuscitate the governor, fanning him as he was seated. He was later taken away for medical attention.
The incident, which occurred at about 10:30 a.m, led to an abrupt end of the traditional wreath-laying by the governor at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Other government officials quickly concluded the ceremony on behalf of the governor.
Chime, however, at a brief press conference at about 2:30 p.m. admitted that he passed out due to exhaustion and rigours of the events lined up for the day.
His words: 'I know your ears are itching over what happened this morning, though I didn't see this number of journalists at the square. Well, it was one of those things, I got exhausted and passed out.
'I passed out, but luckily my aides were there and I was taken out to see my doctor for a while. Of course, you can see me here now, nothing to worry yourselves about, nothing to worry about. I thank you once again for your concern.
'At least you afforded me this opportunity to narrate what happened; I have already received several phone calls, lots of stories are already going round, I wonder what will appear in the papers tomorrow."
Chime's aides, who spoke to Daily Sun, said that there was nothing unusual in the governor collapsing while discharging his duties, arguing that the rigours of the activities could make anyone pass out.