THE Delta State Government has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead, describing the claim as false and misleading.
News Point Nigeria reports that the clarification was made on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Success, who said he contacted the family of the former governor to verify the report after it began making the rounds online.
In a post on his X handle titled “Former Governor Uduaghan Is Alive, Death Rumour False,” Ossai disclosed that he spoke directly with Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode Uduaghan, who confirmed that her father is alive and well.
According to him, several people had reached out to him seeking confirmation of 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?’” he wrote.
Ossai said he immediately sought clarification from the former governor’s family.
“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 stated.
The governor’s aide expressed disappointment over the spread of unverified information, urging members of the public to be more responsible when sharing news online.
“I am disappointed at those who spread such false information without verification,” he said.
He noted that rumours concerning a person’s death can cause significant emotional distress to family members, friends and loved ones.
“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,” Ossai stated.
He therefore urged members of the public to disregard the report and refrain from sharing unverified information on social media and other platforms.
“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.