Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Delta State Government has refuted reports circulating on social media claiming that former governor of the state, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has died, describing the information as false.
The clarification was issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Success, after concerns emerged over the viral reports.
According to Ossai, he contacted the former governor’s family to verify the claim and was informed that Uduaghan is alive and in good health.
In a post titled “Former Governor Uduaghan Is Alive – Death Rumour False,” he disclosed that he spoke directly with Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode Uduaghan.
“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.
Ossai criticised the spread of unverified information online, warning that such reports could cause distress to families and loved ones.
“I am disappointed at those who spread such false information without verification,” he said.
He added, “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 urged members of the public to ignore the report and exercise caution before sharing information on social media.
“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.
