The Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC )
has responded to a report circulating on social media regarding the alleged
death of its National Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.
The Commission described the report as fake news.
Reports claiming that Yakubu died in a London hospital
have been making the rounds in the social media.
The story first appeared on Monday, 9th December 2024.
“We hereby appeal to the public to disregard the
rumour. Prof. Yakubu is alive, hale and hearty. In fact, he has not travelled
to London in the last two years,”a statement signed by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi,
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman,
said.“He was present at an interactive meeting with the House
of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters on Wednesday, 11th
December 2024.
“He also chaired the Commission’s meeting with
Resident Electoral Commissioners on Thursday, 12th December 2024.
“Both events were widely covered on television and
reported on the front pages of most newspapers yesterday, Friday 13th December
2024.
“The public may recall that mischief-makers on the
social media carried a similar fake story in 2021. Three years later, they are
spreading the same rumour again.
“Those who indulge in this practice, as well as those
who spread it, should be mindful of its effect not only on the individual but
also the wider society.
“The Commission will continue to work with genuine
media professionals to combat the scourge of fake news and the danger it poses
to society.”
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