Abia North Senator and former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, has debunked widespread rumours of his death during an extended vacation outside Nigeria.
The lawmaker clarified the situation during a press briefing at the National Assembly on Tuesday, putting an end to the speculations that had been circulating in some quarters.
Kalu revealed that he had taken an official leave from the Senate to pursue academic studies abroad.
He stated that Senate President Godswill Akpabio had granted him permission about a week before the Senate went on recess.
“Listen, there was nothing wrong with me. I took permission from the Senate President about seven days before the Senate closed. I went for a little study in one of the universities, and I paid for it myself—not that anyone paid for me,” Kalu explained.
According to the senator, he spent two months attending courses focused on democracy and the economy.
He emphasized that his trip was for educational purposes, and there was no medical emergency involved.
“I did not die. I didn’t go for any medical check-up, but if people say I have died, we give thanks to God,” Kalu added, brushing off the rumours with humor.