There was apprehension yesterday in Nasarawa State over the rumoured death of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura in a London hospital.

The rumour, which spread like wildfire across the state, started on Sunday night when Governor Al-Makura was allegedly flown abroad due to ill health.

Apparently to allay the fears of the people, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yakubu Lamai, in a statement he issued to newsmen in Lafia yesterday, described the rumour as false and a campaign strategy devised by political opponents to gain public attention.

He said: “Our attention has been drawn to rumours being peddled mostly online and by words of mouth that the health of His Excellency Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is at risk or in question.

“We wish to use this medium to assure the entire citizens of Nasarawa State and confirm with clarity that Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura is alive, hale and hearty and in excellent health,” he said.

Lamai averred that his boss was not a stranger to the political campaigns and appealed to politicians to focus on issue-based electioneering.

•Excerpted from a Nigerian Pilot report. Photo shows Governor Al-Makura.