UMUAHIA, NIGERIA
The Abia State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Goodluck Ubochi, has dismissed as false the rumors circulating about his resignation. The unfounded claims, allegedly spread by one Ikechukwu Iroha and members of a faction of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have been described as baseless and an attempt to mislead the public.
Responding to the rumors, Ubochi expressed shock and embarrassment, clarifying that he remains in office and has no plans to step down. “I was shocked and embarrassed by that report which is false. Even my wife called me, and she was very embarrassed, but I told her it’s false. The Speaker was the first to alert me, and many others have called, but I told them the report was completely false,” Ubochi said.
The circulating misinformation comes amid a series of leaked WhatsApp messages from a PDP-affiliated group, where former government appointees and other individuals were reportedly recruited to spread falsehoods aimed at discrediting the current administration. This group had previously attributed false statements to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who has since denied the claims and threatened legal action.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, a government spokesperson, urged the public to treat any news from the opposition with caution, citing their growing frustration and tendency to spread misinformation. The public is encouraged to verify information and avoid being misled by fabricated reports aimed at destabilizing the state.
Ferdinand Ekeoma
September 5, 2024
