There are only few persons on planet earth that alive and read their obituaries on the pages of newspapers. Such personalities are rare to find in the society; therefore they become great in the eyes of men and women.
Herbert Macaulay, a foremost Nigeria politician was alive when the media publicized his death.
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was also one of the persons that observed Nigerians mourning him, while he was alive. President Yar’Adua was on sick bed, when the rumour of his death moved across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
In the past few weeks it was rumoured that the former Minister for Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo had joined his ancestors. This unfounded rumour gave much concern to his fans and supporters. However, in the past 3 months the frontline politician in the state has not been seen publicly, this also cause worry to some of his admirers as he continues to withdraw himself from the public outings and functions.
Meanwhile, Sekibo, on Tuesday debunked speculations of his death, which made the rounds on the internet.
Dr. Sekibo, a medical practitioner, told newsmen that his rumoured death is the handiwork of his detractors.
Reports, early Tuesday, claimed the Rivers State-born politician is dead.
It said Dr. Sekibo died while on his way out of the country for medical attention, adding that a close family associate confirmed the report.
But while speaking with newsmen, Dr. Sekibo, who sounded surprised at the news, said he is alive and had not even been sick.
He claimed the reports were politically motivated.
“It is unbelievable that people could go this far in trying to destroy another person,” the former minister said. “Election is just by the corner and a lot of people don’t want me around and that is why they are coming up with the rumour. I am not dead. It is all rumour.”
Dr. Sekibo is only one of many Nigerian public officials who were once rumoured to have died in the past when indeed they were alive and healthy.
