In a statement on Friday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, described the reports as “malicious and utterly false,” adding that the governor had personally spoken with Obiano, who is alive and in good health
By Titilope Adako
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has refuted rumours circulating online that former Governor Willie Obiano has passed away.
In a statement on Friday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, described the reports as “malicious and utterly false,” adding that the governor had personally spoken with Obiano, who is alive and in good health.
“I view with grave concern the reckless circulation of such malicious rumours. It is both wicked and completely irresponsible,” Soludo said.
He urged media practitioners, especially online publishers, to verify information through official channels before publication, warning that spreading unverified death rumours erodes public trust.
Soludo also called on the public to ignore the trending report, assuring that Obiano remains hale and hearty, and wished the former governor continued strength, peace, and a long, fulfilling life.
Confirming the governor’s statement, Obiano’s former Commissioner for Information, C-Don Adinuba, said, “Contrary to the reports, Obiano is not in London and has not been hospitalised. He is strong, hale, and hearty, currently in the US. The report is fake and not from a credible source.”
Obiano served as Anambra State governor from 2014 to 2022, succeeding Peter Obi, before handing over to Prof. Chukwuma Soludo in March 2022.
[15/11, 14:40] Titilope Adako: China Advises Citizens Against Travel to Japan Amid Diplomatic Row
China has urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Japan following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on a possible military response to an attack on Taiwan.
Takaichi told parliament on November 7 that Japan might intervene under its “collective self-defence” laws if Taiwan—claimed by China but self-governed—were attacked. Her comments, made just weeks into her administration, have escalated tensions between the two nations.
In response, Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador on Friday, while Tokyo called in China’s envoy over an “inappropriate” online post, which has since been removed.
China’s embassy in Japan warned citizens via WeChat of “significant risks to the personal safety and lives of Chinese citizens,” citing “blatantly provocative remarks” from Japanese leaders.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara dismissed the advisory as “inconsistent with the promotion of a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship” and requested that China take “appropriate measures.”
Takaichi, known for her hawkish stance on China, has softened her rhetoric but refused to retract her statement, saying it reflects Tokyo’s policy. She added that she would avoid referencing specific scenarios in the future.
The dispute follows a provocative social media post by China’s consul general in Osaka targeting Takaichi personally, prompting Japan to protest and her party to seek the envoy’s expulsion.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to assert control. Despite being major trading partners, Japan and China’s relationship remains strained by historical tensions and territorial disputes.
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