The Delta State Government has dismissed circulating rumours stating that it’s former governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, is dead.
The government falsified the rumour declaring and informed the public that Uduaghan is alive and in good health, and urged the residents to disregard the rumour and avoid spreading unverified information.
The denial follows the emergence of social media posts and online reports alleging that the former governor had passed away, a claim that quickly generated concern among residents, political associates and well-wishers across the state.
Reacting to the reports on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Ossai Success, said that several people had contacted him seeking clarification after coming across the reports online.
Success mentioned that he immediately took steps to verify the claim by reaching out directly to members of the former governor’s family, prompting him to speak with Orode Uduaghan, daughter of the former governor, who categorically confirmed that her father is alive and well.
The Special Adviser stated that the confirmation from the family laid to rest the speculation surrounding the former governor’s alleged death and urged members of the public not to give credence to the misinformation.
The governor’s aide also condemned the spread of unverified reports, describing the circulation of false information about a person’s death as irresponsible and harmful.
He noted that such rumours not only mislead the public but also inflict emotional distress on family members, friends and supporters who may be alarmed by the false claims.
Success appealed to social media users and online publishers to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, particularly reports relating to the health or death of public figures.
He emphasized the need for responsible use of digital platforms, warning that the rapid spread of misinformation can create unnecessary panic and confusion among the public.
Reaffirming the position of the government, he stated that Uduaghan is alive, healthy and going about his normal activities, urging Deltans and the general public to ignore the rumour and focus on verified information from credible sources.
The government’s clarification comes amid growing concerns over the increasing spread of fake news on social media platforms, where unverified reports often gain traction before official confirmation is sought.