Gov Al Makura Is Not Dead ..Aides

The death rumour of Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, on Sunday night and Monday morning, filtered the air in Lafia, the state capital, following his overseas trip for medical check-up, last week Wednesday.

Investigation revealed that people were making phone calls in and outside the state to confirm the authenticity of the death rumour.

On a visit to some government offices, workers were seen in different groups discussing the issue. It was further gathered that the death rumour had created apprehension within the government circle, as informed top government source confided in the Nigerian Tribune that he had received close to 100 different phone calls from both the North-Central and South-West zones of the country, seeking to confirm the genuineness of the story.

In its reaction, however, the state government, through the press statement, authorised by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr Yakubu Lamai, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Lafia, said the governor was alive, hale and hearty and in excellent health.

According to the statement, “we wish to use this medium to assure the entire citizens of Nasarawa State and confirm with clarity that Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is alive, hale and hearty and in excellent health.

“We recognise that this is election campaign period and publicity strategists are likely to use every available tool to gain public attention, including peddling unfounded rumours about the governor’s health, but Governor Al-Makura is no stranger to political campaigns and appeals to all and sundry to concentrate on making the ongoing campaigns and the forthcoming elections issue-based,” the  government pleaded