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Citing Health Concerns, Farrakhan turns over Control of NOI to Administrative Body
By: George E. Curry
NNPA Editor-in-Chief
Originally posted 9/26/2006
WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Likening his predicament to that of Cuba’s Fidel Castro, Minister Louis Farrakhan says he is facing some serious health challenges, causing him to turn over administration of the Nation of Islam to its executive board and cancel all appointments and personal appearances until further notice.
Farrakhan said his illness is related to the heavy dosage of radiation he received as a result of having prostate cancer in the late 1990s. He underwent surgery in November 2000 at Howard University and on a recent visit there was found to have an infection and inflammation.
“I have been suffering from the after-effects of an extremely high dose of radiated seed implantation that indeed killed the cancer cells that had broken the prostate capsule, but over time, these seeds have done severe internal damage,” he explained.
Farrakhan said his illness represents “a period of testing” for his organization.
“In this period of testing, you can prove to the world that the Nation of Islam is more than the charisma, eloquence and personality of Louis Farrakhan,” he said in a letter to his supporters.
“In this period of testing, you can prove that the Nation of Islam is under-girded by an Idea that represents the Kingdom of God on Earth, an Idea that can never be uprooted, never be destroyed and can only increase its power, effect and influence over the hearts and minds of the people of the Earth.”
During this period of recovery and testing, Farrakhan said, “I will be available to give guidance in any major situation that may arise, but I would prefer that the Executive Board of the Nation of Islam help solve the problems of the Nation, without asking me.”
The Nation of Islam leader is recovering on his large farm in Michigan.
In his letter, Farrakhan said: “Commandante Fidel Castro had a very serious operation and he relinquished power to his brother and all those who were trained to carry on in his absence. While many rejoiced – believing and thinking that, if Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution expired, they could move Cuba and the Revolution in a new direction – his absence from the helm only proved that Cuba will not fall apart over the absence or passing of their illustrious leader. Such a challenge is before us.”
Ironically, it was on a trip to Cuba in March that Farrakhan’s current illness was diagnosed. Upset by the slow response to Hurricane Katrina, Minister Farrakhan led a 23-member delegation on a 9-day fact-finding mission to learn how Cuba prepared for and reacted to natural disasters.
“On my trip to Cuba to learn disaster management preparedness, I spent most of my time there being examined and tested by some of the finest doctors in Cuba,” Farrakhan said.
“They discovered an ulcer in the anal area, similar to the ulcer that I had in 1998-1999 that almost caused the loss of my life.
“The doctors in Cuba felt that my health at that time was near perfect, except for that ulcer; but from that time, March 2006, I have been steadily fighting serious pain and infection. In the last month, I had lost nearly 15 lbs. And over the last six weeks, I have lost over 20 lbs.”
Upon being examined at Howard University Hospital, Farrakhan said it was discovered that he was dehydrated, anemic, low in protein, albumen and iron.
“Although I have some of the finest cooks who always prepare the finest meals for me, I was in a seriously nutritionally depleted state, because the pain that I was in took away my appetite,” Farrakhan said.
“The Howard University doctors discovered serious infection and inflammation, which is presently being treated, and now I am forced to do what is necessary to restore myself nutritionally. Otherwise, my present condition could be life threatening.”
Farrakhan made it clear that he is not stepping down for good.
“I do not believe that my earthly work is done,” he said. “I know that you (the Believers) will accept the challenge to move our Nation forward, being ever watchful for any smart, crooked deceiver and hypocrite who would create confusion over my present condition.”
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