Ondo state government on Wednesday suspended a civil servant for reportedly peddling fake news about the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo who did not disclose the Identity of the affected civil servant, maintained that “the disciplinary measure was based on the death rumour being peddled about the Governor”.
“The officer posted the fake news on his Facebook account. Such bad behaviour would not be condoned in government”, he added
The Head of Service noted that severe sanctions against purveyors of such fake news was to serve as a deterrent to others because such fake news creates disorder in the society.
Adeyemo, who was delighted to see the governor back to the country, noted that God had embarrassed the rumour mongers and their sponsors.
He said: “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.”
However, Governor Akeredolu arrived at the International wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria around 10:35pm on Sunday, April 17, 2022 from Germany after his annual vacation.
Speaking on his arrival in the state, the governor described the rumour as wicked and politically motivated.