A civil servant in the Ondo State Civil Service has been suspended for spreading death rumour about the state governor, Olurotimi Akeredolu.

Akeredolu was rumoured to have passed away abroad following a protracted illness.

The rumour was later put to rest after the governor returned to Nigeria.

However, the suspension of the civil servant was disclosed by the Ondo State Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, on Wednesday.

Adeyemo, who failed to disclose the identity of the suspended civil servant, said the disciplinary measure was based on the death rumour being peddled about the governor.

He stated that the civil servant has been suspended and his name forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for appropriate punishment.

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He explained that the officer posted the fake news on his Facebook account, adding that such bad behaviour would not be condoned.

Adeyemo further called for severe sanctions against purveyors of such fake news, stressing that fake news creates problems in society.

He noted that Governor Akeredolu is back to the country hale and hearty, saying God has “shamed the rumour mongers and their sponsors”.

“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 I knew Mr Governor was alive and with vigour. So, never believed it,” Adeyemo stated.

The Star