Buhari okays overseas treatment for Ekwueme

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that Alex Ekwueme, ailing former vice-president, be flown abroad for medical treatment.

Garba Shehu, senior special assistant on media and publicity to the president, said Buhari gave the order after he received a brief on the medical condition of the former vice-president.

Shehu explained that the approval given by Buhari would cover the cost of chartering an air ambulance for the journey and the cost of his treatment.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate medical treatment of former Vice-President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, outside the country,” Shehu said in a statement.

“The approval followed a brief the president received Friday on the medical condition of the former vice-president.

“The approval covers the immediate charter of an air ambulance for the emergency movement and the cost of treatment.

“President Buhari prays that God will grant the elder statesman speedy recovery.”

Ekwueme was taken to the hospital after he collapsed at his Enugu residence. He later went into a coma.

Earlier in the week, his family said the elder statesman would remain under close medical attention till his situation improves.