Alhaji Ashiru Sharif, a close aide to Dr Yusuf Maitama Sule, the Danmasani of Kano, yesterday debunked a rumour state that the elder statesman was dead.

Sharif while speaking with newsmen in Kano described the rumour as “baseless and unfounded”, saying the Danmasani was hale and hearty.

“The rumour of the death of Danmasani is not true because as I am talking to you now he is hale and hearty,” he said.

Sharif advised those spreading the rumour to desist from doing so, stressing that it would create unnecessary impression in the minds of people.

“Following the rumour, we have been receiving phone calls from within and outside Kano to verify the story,” he said.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who visited the residence of the elder statesman on Kwairanga road evening observed that there was no sign of an unusual happening in the house.

•Text courtesy of NAN. Photo shows elder statesman Maitama Sule.