Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has confirmed that former Governor of the State, Chief Willie Obiano, is alive and well.
Rumours had taken over the social media space on Friday, that Obiano, who governed Anambra from 2014–2022, died in a hospital in London, after a urinary cancer disease.
But in a statement by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo debunked the death rumours, describing it as utterly false.
“The malicious rumour circulating on social media and certain online platforms claiming that Chief Willie Obiano has passed away in a London hospital earlier today, is false.
“I have spoken to Chief Willie Obiano and he is alive and well,” he said.
The Governor views with grave concern the reckless dissemination of such malicious rumours as wicked and irresponsible.
He called on all media practitioners, especially online publishers, to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying information through official channels before publication.
“The spread of unverified death rumour is not only wicked and irresponsible but also erodes public trust.
“Therefore, the Government urges the general public to disregard the trending rumours, rest assured that the former governor is alive, hale and hearty
“Governor Soludo wishes Chief Willie Obiano continued strength, peace, and a long, healthy life of fulfilment in his abode,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, a video has surfaced online showing the former governor in his home in Houston, US.
The video shared by the former governor’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, showed the former governor in the company of the commissioner and another unidentified individual, debunking the rumour.
The former governor by himself, said he is alive and didn’t even go to the hospital as was alleged.
