David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, says it is untrue that Fidelis Nweze, commissioner for infrastructural development, rose from the dead.
Nweze died on June 22 from injuries sustained in a motor accident along the Enugu-Abakaliki highway.
However, rumours went round on Thursday that Nweze had come back to life at the morgue of the Turkish hospital, Abuja, where his remains were deposited.
The news caused wild jubilation among his relatives, friends and put Abakaliki and other areas in a state of frenzy.
Hundreds of people reportedly besieged his houses, jubilating over his alleged resurrection.
Reacting in a statement by Francis Nwaze, his spokesman, Umahi said the report is fake news.
He called on the public to stop spreading the rumour, adding that it is causing those mourning more pain.
“There was no pictorial evidence or confirmation from the hospital and we ask why people should engage in hear-say at this critical time,” Umahi said.
“We have to accept the reality before us though the deceased’s death was difficult to swallow.
“People should stop spreading unverified news as it is inflicting more pains on those currently mourning.”
The governor had declared June 23 as a public holiday, and a four-day prayer and fasting session across the state in honour of the deceased.
