Tobias Sylvester
Ebere Nzeworji, a close aide to former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, has dismissed rumors about his death, clarifying that the former senator is alive and well.
In a statement from Abuja on Thursday, Nzeworji explained that a false message circulated widely on social media on Wednesday, November 6, falsely claiming that Okorocha had died in a London hospital.
Nzeworji noted that Okorocha was seen at his Unity House office in Abuja around the same time these rumors began spreading, and he had recently returned from a visit to Owerri, Imo State.
The former governor had attended Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s funeral on Friday, November 1, and subsequently hosted Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and other representatives at his Owerri residence, Spibat.
He urged Nigerians and the global community to disregard the false reports, affirming that Okorocha is in good health.
Nzeworji questioned the intentions behind these rumors, saying, “One can now begin to wonder about the motives of those behind this fake news.
“Senator Okorocha is a patriotic Nigerian who has served at both state and national levels with distinction, building friendships with well-meaning individuals across the country and the globe.
“The former governor has never wished anyone dead and is always cheerful and caring about the wellbeing of others.
“We, therefore, call on all well-meaning Nigerians and the global community to disregard this fake news and be assured that His Excellency, Senator Rochas Okorocha, is hale and hearty.”
Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha’s Special Adviser on Media, also addressed the death rumors, suggesting they stemmed from jealousy after the warm reception Okorocha received at Chief Iwuanyanwu’s burial.
In a statement, Onwuemeodo expressed dismay over the fabricated “breaking news” from November 6, alleging that Okorocha had passed away due to an imaginary illness termed “acute gorilla.
He confirmed that Okorocha, who had been active in Owerri, remains in good health and has not experienced illness since leaving office in 2019.
“To all men and women of conscience,” the statement declared, “the correct breaking news is that Rochas Okorocha is neither sick nor dead.
“He has been hale and hearty throughout his stay in Owerri and has continued with his schedule, attending services in Abuja in honor of prominent Igbos, including Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.”
The statement also criticized the originators of the rumor, characterizing them as “dead in spirit” and accusing them of harboring resentment over the ovation Okorocha received at Iwuanyanwu’s burial.
Okorocha expressed compassion for them, urging collective prayers for their spiritual healing, and rejecting any ill wishes toward them.
“Those who came up with this news,” the statement continued, “are angry about the ovation Okorocha received. We do not curse those whom God has blessed. Instead, we wish these individuals genuine repentance and a return to a normal life. We pray for them,” it concluded.
KanyiDaily recalls that the court recently dismissed the case against Rochas Okorocha brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
