Former Enugu Governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, Not Dead As Rumoured

SAN FRANCISCO, August 17, (THEWILL) – Erstwhile governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani — who was reported to be dead by some online blogs — is alive, his political associates have confirmed.

The two-term governor, born the same year Nigerian gained Independence, underwent heart surgery at a hospital in the United States, spawning rumours that he did not survive it.

However, a commissioner for Information during Nnamani’s governorship reign, Mr. Ogazimora Igbonekwu, refuted reports of his boss’s death, describing them as wicked.

“This is wicked. Why are people doing this? Has politics in Enugu State degenerated to this level?” he queried. “Here is stating that there is no truth whatsoever in the claim by some people that former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, is dead or gripped by a terminal illness.”

The statement further read, “Yes, Nnamani undertook a successful surgery two months ago and has been recuperating. He personally spoke twice to me yesterday (Thursday) and at exactly 4.35 pm today, Friday, 17th August. Friends and well-wishers are advised to ignore the rumour, as Nnamani is alive and well, though currently staying out of Nigeria because of the surgery.”

Nnamani has lived a relatively reclusive and depressed life since relinquishing the governorship of the southeastern state — which he held from 1999 to 2007 — seeing his handpicked successor, Sullivan Chime turn against him.