Female minister poisoned in Abuja, fights for life in hospital
The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, has been hospitalised in Abuja after she was poisoned from unknown sources.
Peoples Gazzete reports that the incident has left her family in deep concerns as they struggle against time to save her life.
Ms. Ade-John, 60, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi after exhibiting symptoms of poisoning. As of Friday morning, she had been admitted to the facility for four days.
Sources revealed that she is currently on a machine to assist her breathing. The exact substance she ingested and how it happened remain unknown at this time.
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The police and the State Security Service have not yet provided details on whether an investigation into the incident has been initiated.
The worsening condition of the minister has caused tension within her family, as the permanent secretary of her ministry disagrees on whether she should continue treatment at a public hospital or be transferred to a better-equipped private facility. Ngozi Onwudike, the permanent secretary, reportedly argued that the minister should not be moved since the FMC is a public hospital with minimal charges to the government.
However, the family disagreed and remained by her side, unable to raise funds for a private hospital. Efforts to reach the permanent secretary for comment were unsuccessful.
The FMC has not yet responded to requests for comment on Ms. Ade-John’s condition.
Appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August, Ms. Ade-John stood out as one of the few cabinet members chosen from outside the political realm. She had been residing in London for several years before being called back to serve her country.
