Petition: Rights commission releases report on Chime’s wife

The National Human Rights Commission on Friday released a preliminary report on its investigations into complaints of rights abuse raised by Clara, the wife of Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime.

The commission reported that the bone of contention between Chime and his wife is a disagreement over the procedure for the treatment of her occasional hallucinations and depression.

In a petition written on her behalf by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, Clara had accused the governor of illegal detention.

Following the petition, the NHRC had written Chime, demanding access to his wife.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, informed journalists on Friday that a five-man investigative panel from the commission met with the major characters in the unfolding drama at the Enugu State Government House on Thursday.

According to Angwe, the commission held private discussions with Chime, the complainant, Clara; the governor’s sibling, Dr. Jide Chime; the First Lady’s physician, Dr. Aham Agumoh, as well as her elder brother, Tony Igwe.

The NHRC team also spoke to one Dr. A. Uzegu, a London-based consultant psychiatrist and forensic examiner, who is the doctor preferred by Clara, through teleconference.

Disclosing details of the initial findings, Angwe confirmed that for the last two weeks, Clara had been confined to her apartment on medical advice for purposes of medical maintenance and security.

But he added that the governor’s wife admitted having possession and control of keys to her apartment.

Angwe said the apartment was inspected by his team.

He further disclosed that the NHRC learnt that the First Lady was allowed access to her son after his school and lesson hours.

He also noted that, despite her health condition, Clara was conscious of her environment and related well with those she encountered.

Angwe said, “Yesterday, I led a team of investigators to the Government House, Enugu, and we were granted unhindered access to both Mrs. Chime and her apartment in the Government House.

“The investigating team held a five-hour meeting with Governor Chime, Mrs. Chime, Dr. Jide Chime (the governor’s sibling), Dr. Aham Agumoh (who has been treating Mrs. Chime) and Tony Igwe (the complainant’s elder brother) during which the complainant had an opportunity to state her case and also respond to the issues raised by her husband.

“Dr. A. Uzegu, a London-based consultant psychiatrist and forensic examiner, who is the doctor the complainant prefers, also joined the meeting through teleconference.”