Family of late Provost of College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Professor Okwudili Udemezue has expressed worry over the controversy that trailed the death of their son.
Udemezue was reported to have died of COVID-19 complications, even while the results of the test was being awaited.
The family said they had been in the dark since the death was announced, saying their inability to see result of his sample test has been a source of worry to them.
The family’s spokesman, Sir Orji Udemezue in a chat with newsmen on Saturday in Nnewi, in company of family head, Chief Ogochukwu Udemezue said they demanded a definite information including independent test on the late Professor’s sample.
He said, “Prof. Udemezue was alleged to have died at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi. The news of his death has thrown the family into a deep shock because we didn’t hear anything about his sickness before his death was announced.
“We are saddened by the rumor making rounds that our brother and father died of Covid 19 pandemic. The family has been cautious since we heard of this. We’re well aware of Covid-19 issues and we know that millions of people have been infected and thousands died all over the world, we are aware that Covid-19 is not a taboo or death sentence.
“It is shocking that NAUTH has no facility for Covid-19 testing. We know that many States in the country cannot even boast of having testing facilities, it is a shock to us that three days after the death of Prof Udemezue, the result of Covid status has not been made available to the family. This is something that should not take more than fifteen minutes to get done under normal circumstances.
“It may interest the members of the public to know that Prof Udemezue before his death demanded for his Covid 19 status, which was not made available. We are beginning to suspect foul play in the whole episode and we demand clarification from NAUTH, ” the spokesperson said.
While disclosing that the hospital management had claimed to have conflicting results when contacted, Udemezue said he never knew testing for Covid-19 had become that complex.
“We are not out to make trouble with anybody but we want fairness and justice in handling the death of the eminent Professor, he served the institution with the best of his ability, ” Sir Udemezue concluded.
Reacting, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of NAUTH, Prof Anthony Igwegbe said the result was not officially out from the relevant authorities, adding that nothing was conflicting about it.
He explained that Covid-19 testing was not done at the NAUTH, appealling to the deceased family to remain calm and cautious while awaiting the result.
“All we do is to collect sample from a suspect and send for test through the coordination of the State government and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), ” he explained.
