The Ondo State government has suspended a civil servant (names withheld) for reportedly spreading fake news about the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo, who confirmed this to journalists in Akure yesterday, said the disciplinary measure was meted on the erring civil servant over his involvement on the death rumour peddled about the governor.

Adeyemo, who did not disclose the identity of the said worker, said the civil servant in question had been suspended and his name forwarded to the Civil Service Commission for appropriate punishment.

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

The Head of Service, however, suggested “severe sanctions against purveyors of such fake news to serve as a deterrent to others, saying: “God has shamed the rumour-mongers and their sponsors.

“Incidentally, I called the 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 the governor was alive and with vigour. So, I never believed it.”