Dayo Johnson Akure

Ondo state government has suspended a civil servant for reportedly spreading fake news about the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo who did not disclose the Identity of the civil servant said in Akure that “the disciplinary measure was based on the death rumour being peddled about the Governor.

Adeyemo said the civil servant in question has been suspended and his name forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for appropriate punishment.According to him “the officer posted the fake news on his Facebook account, such bad behaviour would not be condoned in government.

The Head of Service, however, suggested “severe sanctions against purveyors of such fake news to serve as a deterrent to others, such fake news creates problems in the society. Adeyemo, expressed joy that the governor is back to the country hale and hearty, noting that ” God has shamed the rumour mongers and their sponsors.

“Incidentally, I called Mr Governor a day before the rumour and we spoke and chatted. So, when I heard the fake news I was disturbed and was like who is this fellow carrying this terrible rumour I knew Mr Governor was alive and with vigour. So, never believed it.Recall that governor Akeredolu began two weeks’ leave as part of his annual vacation on April 1, 2022.

He however handed over power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in an acting capacity.

However, when the Governor was away, it was rumoured that he had died in a German hospital.

Meanwhile, speaking on arrival in the state, the governor, described the rumour as wicked and politically motivated.

Akeredolu thanked the people of the state, saying that he is very much alive and will return to work on next week Monday

“I left the shores of this country on the March 27, 2022. I was with my party, I was physically present, I was there until the early hours of 27th March, 2022.

“Throughout 26th, I was at the convention of the APC in Abuja and everybody saw me there. I even sat with delegates from Ondo State.I never left them except when I left to greet delegates from South West and other areas. And it was a successful outing for us in Ondo State and for South West as well.

“And the second day, I left for Dubai, we had the annual investment meeting, which is Dubai Annual meeting and we were all there.

“So many Governors, about 13 of us were there. I went principally in respect of our Port Ondo because it was during the previous year that we had a relationship, and with the relationship with Dubai Port, I wanted to solidify.

“It was not a pleasant vacation, my vacation started on first but from 27th March 2022 it was a working visit to Dubai, I was still working, so my first 14 days did not start until 1st of April, 2022.

Akeredolu added that ” I was in Dubai working about the State. About 14 States participated and each State has its stand, and I displayed what we have in Ondo State, our Bitumen, and our Mineral resources. I attended other fora to discuss and project the image of Ondo State”.