Recent rumors about the death of former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha have been dismissed by his close aides, who are calling the reports baseless and malicious. Ebere Nzeworji, one of Okorocha’s trusted aides, addressed the widespread claims in a statement released from Abuja on Thursday, November 7.
Nzeworji explained that rumors claiming Okorocha had passed away at a London hospital on November 6 were completely false. He stressed that the former governor was alive and well, noting that he had been seen at his office in Unity House, Abuja, around the time the rumors were circulating.
According to Nzeworji, Okorocha had also recently returned from a trip to Owerri, Imo State, further dispelling the fabricated claims. “Senator Okorocha is hale and hearty,” Nzeworji declared, urging the public to ignore the rumors that had spread on social media.
He also provided details of Okorocha’s activities in recent weeks, including attending the funeral of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu on November 1. Nzeworji mentioned that Okorocha had hosted the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and other dignitaries at his residence in Owerri, emphasizing the former governor’s good health.
Nzeworji expressed concern over the motivations behind the rumors, questioning why anyone would spread such false information. “One can now begin to wonder about the motives of those behind this fake news,” he remarked. He further defended Okorocha, highlighting the former governor’s patriotic service to Nigeria at both state and national levels, and his reputation for fostering friendships across the country and globally.
Okorocha’s spokesperson also took to the media to denounce the fake news. Sam Onwuemeodo, Okorocha’s Special Adviser on Media, suggested that the rumors could be rooted in jealousy. Onwuemeodo attributed the false reports to bitterness following the warm reception Okorocha received at Iwuanyanwu’s burial. He also refuted the claim that Okorocha had died from a supposed illness called “acute gorilla,” calling it a fabrication.
In his statement, Onwuemeodo affirmed that Okorocha has been in good health ever since leaving office in 2019. He noted that the former governor has remained active in public life, continuing his engagements, including attending services in Abuja to honor prominent Igbos, such as Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
Onwuemeodo issued a direct appeal to those spreading the rumors, labeling them as “dead in spirit” and accusing them of harboring resentment over Okorocha’s well-received appearance at Iwuanyanwu’s funeral. “The correct breaking news is that Rochas Okorocha is neither sick nor dead,” Onwuemeodo declared in his statement, urging the public to disregard the malicious reports.
Okorocha, for his part, expressed compassion for those behind the rumors. In a separate message, he rejected any ill wishes toward the individuals responsible and urged prayers for their spiritual healing. “We do not curse those whom God has blessed,” Okorocha said, adding that he wished those spreading the rumors “genuine repentance and a return to a normal life.”
The spread of misinformation, particularly regarding the health or death of public figures, has sparked widespread outrage. Nigerians and members of the international community have been reminded of the dangers of believing and sharing unverified news.
The false death rumors come at a time when Okorocha is active in the public eye and remains an influential figure in Nigerian politics. His recent appearances and public engagements have garnered significant attention, underscoring his continued relevance.
Both Nzeworji and Onwuemeodo emphasized that Okorocha’s health should not be the subject of malicious gossip. “We 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,” Nzeworji urged.
Despite the controversy surrounding the rumors, Okorocha’s aides remain resolute in their defense of his character and reputation. They are determined to ensure that any attempts to tarnish his image through falsehoods are swiftly debunked.
The false rumors about Okorocha’s death have not only caused confusion but have also raised concerns about the increasing spread of fake news, particularly on social media platforms.
