The Delta State Government has described as false reports circulating online that former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has passed away, urging the public to disregard the rumour.
The rebuttal was issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Success, after claims of the former governor’s death surfaced on social media.
According to Ossai, he immediately sought clarification from Uduaghan’s family and was informed that the former governor is alive.
In a post titled “Former Governor Uduaghan Is Alive – Death Rumour False,” he said he personally contacted Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode, who dismissed the report.
“I have just seen reports circulating online claiming that the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead. Some people have been reaching out to me asking, ‘Ossai Ovie Success, is the news real?’
“I immediately reached out to his family to confirm. I spoke directly with his daughter, Orode Uduaghan, on the phone, and she confirmed that the news is false. Dr. Uduaghan is alive,” he wrote.
Reacting to the incident, Ossai criticised those responsible for spreading the unverified information, stressing the emotional impact such rumours can have on families and supporters.
“I am disappointed at those who spread such false information without verification,” he said.
He further noted, “Spreading fake news about someone’s death is cruel, irresponsible, and causes unnecessary pain to the family and millions of Deltans who hold him in high regard.”
The governor’s aide called on members of the public to exercise caution when sharing information online and avoid amplifying unverified reports.
“I urge the public to disregard the rumour and avoid sharing unverified information. Let us show respect for life and for our leaders. Dr. Uduaghan is fine and not dead,” he added.
The state government’s clarification appears aimed at putting an end to speculation surrounding the former governor and reassuring residents that the report has no basis in fact.
