Former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has broken his silence over a social media report announcing his death, revealing that he recently underwent back surgery.
Yuguda, who spoke on Saturday, said the report caused panic among his supporters, particularly in Bauchi, as several people rushed to contact him and his associates to confirm his condition.
He, however, described the report as false, assuring Nigerians that he remained alive and was recovering from the surgery.
“I am alive. I assure you that I am in good health. I was ill recently, but God has restored my health,” the former governor said.
Yuguda explained that he had been keeping mostly indoors after the operation in compliance with medical advice, adding that he had been advised to rest during his recovery.
He said the condition affected his back and required surgery, noting that complications involving the vertebrae could become serious, particularly as people grow older.
The former governor also addressed speculation about why such a rumour could have emerged, saying he did not believe he was in conflict with anyone.
“I have no enemies. I do not harbour ill feelings towards anybody and I have no time for animosity. I only pray that God grants me a faithful end and a peaceful departure,” he said.
Yuguda said the reaction to the rumour had demonstrated the affection of many Nigerians towards him, particularly people from Bauchi State.
According to him, the calls became so numerous that he was forced to switch off his telephone temporarily, saying more than 10,000 people from Bauchi alone contacted him to establish whether he was alive.
He thanked Muslims and Christians across the country for their prayers and concern, adding that some people in Bauchi reportedly broke down in tears before hearing directly from him that he was alive.
“I thank God for them and pray that He rewards them with goodness,” Yuguda said.
I’m alive, healthy — Ex-Bauchi Gov Yuguda speaks after death rumour, reveals back surgery