Chief Francis Arthur Nzeribe, former presidential aspirant and former senator for the Imo Orlu constituency has fiercely debunked rumors being peddled on social media that he has been stricken with stroke.
The rumor which appeared to speak poorly in disdain of the ageing chief was said to be circulated by some few Nigerians who were aggrieved over the role of the political maverick and elder statesman in the annulled June 12 1993 presidential election result in which MKO Abiola was said to have garnered majority votes.
According to the rumored information on social media which had the photograph of the chief looking rather old and sickly, the former senator was said to have been stricken by stroke and has been sick in his family house in Orlu, Imo state. The photograph was supposedly taken and disclosed to the public by an insider whose identity was not known.
However, a press release by Chief Nzeribe’s press secretary, Mr. Collins Ughaala published by News Agency of Nigeria had debunked the rumor as completely false and stated that the rumor mongers must be people of hateful interest against the elder statesman and attempt to mar the reputable image and persona of the former Senator for no just cause.
Press statement
“Francis Arthur Nzeribe’s body physique today is the natural consequence of ageing, which all of us, if God blesses us with old age, will have to pass through. It has nothing to do with his infamous role as ABN leader. This is also a lesson to all, that in our journey through life, we should remember that there is God almighty and that one day, we will give account of our stewardship. “.
Another Nigerian wrote: Let those who have ears to hear, eyes to see learn from Arthur Nzeribe’s case. Vanities upon vanity all will end one day. Who inherited all of ‘Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia properties?
But it appears the commentaries may have gotten things wrong on the state of health of the old politician. According to a statement by Collins Ughaala who identified himself as Nzeribe’s chief press secretary, Chief Nzeribe is hale and hearty and not struck by stroke as being suggested in some quarters.
“The attention of Chief Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe has been drawn to the hateful speeches going on against him in the media, especially the social media, including the unfounded runour that he has a stroke.
“Chief Nzeribe should have ignored this hateful rumour, but “to set the record straight”, this brief response is offered to the effect that “the rumour is false as I don’t have a stroke.”
“At 79 years old, I am hale and hearty and not suffering from a stroke. I am not in my community, Oguta, in Imo State. I am resting in my house in Abuja. And I thank God for keeping me healthy and allowing me see old age.
“Life and death are in God’s hands, and God willing I will remain hale and hearty and not suffer a stroke until such a time when God calls me home. And no amount of hateful speech can change or alter God’s plans for me or anyone else.
“I am not suffering from stroke and I cannot wish anyone to suffer stroke. But to those manufacturing and spreading this hateful speech against me, I wish them the best.
“God has deemed it fit for me to see old age in good health, and there is nothing more to ask from God.”
Reported By Obinna Ejianya @obinna_ejianya
Source of Press statement: NAN
