The Delta State Government has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media claiming that former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is dead.
The state government said the rumour was unfounded and urged members of the public to ignore it, stressing that the former governor is alive and in good health.
The clarification was issued on Wednesday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Ossai Ovie Success, following widespread circulation of the claim on various online platforms.
According to Ossai, he immediately contacted members of Uduaghan's family after receiving several enquiries from concerned members of the public seeking confirmation of the report.
He said he spoke directly with the former governor's daughter, Orode Uduaghan, who confirmed that her father was alive.
In a statement shared on his X account, Ossai expressed concern over the increasing spread of unverified information on social media, particularly reports relating to the health or death of public figures.
"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 if the news is real.
"I immediately reached out to his family and spoke with his daughter, Orode Uduaghan, who confirmed that the report is false. Dr Uduaghan is alive," he stated.
The governor's aide criticised those responsible for originating and spreading the rumour, saying such actions cause needless anxiety and emotional distress to families and loved ones.
He noted that false reports of death could have serious emotional consequences and should not be treated lightly.
Describing the rumour as cruel and irresponsible, Ossai called on social media users to verify information before sharing it and to avoid contributing to the spread of fake news.
He also urged the public to rely on credible and verified sources for information, especially on issues involving prominent personalities.
"Dr Uduaghan is fine and not dead. I urge the public to disregard the rumour and refrain from sharing unverified information," he said.
Uduaghan, a medical doctor and former governor of Delta State, served from 2007 to 2015 and remains an influential figure in the state's political landscape.
The government's response came amid growing concern among supporters and residents following the circulation of the false report online.
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