By Jonathan Ugbal
Information reaching CrossRiverWatch from sources in the House of Assembly suggests that Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade had approved a total of NGN15 million for the treatment of the late deputy leader of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Mr. Nkoro Simon.
Mr. Nkoro aged 62 and member representing Ikom 2/state constituency died Sunday morning due to cancer CrossRiverWatch gathered.
And, Mr. Ayade had first approved NGN10 million for him to visit India for treatment Assembly sources reliably informed CrossRiverWatch.
CrossRiverWatch had earlier reported that Mr. Nkoro died in India but recent findings revealed he had returned from India, spent two weeks in Calabar, was then flown to Lagos on emergency and returned to Calabar.
“He drove himself out last week and about four or five days ago, was in critical condition again. He was then taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) where he died this morning,” the source told this reporter on condition of anonymity.
An earlier source had informed CrossRiverWatch that his death came after only five days of a relapse which began with numbness of the leg and stroke.
CrossRiverWatch also gathered that NGN5 million was later approved by Mr. Ayade to take Mr. Nkoro to Dubai after he was hospitalised at UCTH with the money scheduled to be released tomorrow (Monday).
Also, the commissioner for health and 2017 CrossRiverWatch Man of The Year, Dr. Inyang Asibong is said to have visited Mr. Nkoro yesterday to check his condition.
It is unclear whether Asibong’s visit was on the directives of Mr. Ayade before the release of the money. But, CrossRiverWatch could not independently verify this as Asibong’s line did not connect at press time.
Also, this reporter gathered that Mr. Nkoro is said to have been away in India for treatment when his colleague, Mr. Stephen Ukpukpen died on May 30, 2018.
The speaker of the House of Assembly, Honorable John Lebo had during Mr. Ukpukpen’s valedictory service said many thought it was Mr. Nkoro that had died when the news of that lawmakers passing had filtered in.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ayade has since described the death as a “loss so painful to bear.”