Growing concern over Cross Rivers State Governor, Liyel Imoke's health

With anxiety trailing the health status of Governors Danbaba Suntai of Taraba and Sullivan Chime of Enugu, there are reports that Cross Rivers State’s Governor, Liyel Imoke, who has been in the United States, is receiving regular dialysis for a renal disease.

A source described Imoke’s condition as “a bad state”. He further said, “It has indeed gotten worse but as you are aware, those positions of authority in Nigeria never reveals the ailment they are suffering from until it leaks to the media.”


At the moment, the news in certain quarters is that the governor underwent surgery for a kidney transplant. Expectedly, the information has sparked mild tension in the state government circles as well as the ruling People’s Democratic Party. 

Imoke, a former minister during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, had travelled out of the country several weeks ago, stating that he needed time to rest, a common excuse high-office holders give before embarking on medical trips.

However, after about a month of his absence, those in the know had then disclosed that the one-time presidential committee chairman on power, indeed jetted out ostensibly to attend to his deteriorating condition – a problem he refused to reveal.

But on his possible return to the country to resume his constitutional duties, the source said, “If his present state is anything to evaluate, I’m afraid he may not come back any time soon.”