Bereaved Adamawa LG speaks on video showing vice chair struggling to read oath

The Fufore Local Government in Adamawa State has spoken about a viral video depicting the vice chairman, Yunusa Hammanjoda, struggling to read the oath of office.

The video indicated that the incident was recorded while Mr Hammanjoda was sworn in as the new chairman of the council.

However, the council said the ceremony was yet to be conducted.

It said the trending video is old, manipulated, and was being circulated out of context to misinform the public.

The development followed the sudden death of the council chairman, Yahya Saidu, who passed away in a hospital in Kaduna State.

Mr Saidu’s death occurred about 18 months after his predecessor, Shuaibu Babas, also died in office.

Since Mr Saidu’s passing, there have been speculations on social media regarding both his cause of death and the local government’s leadership transition.

Council denies swearing-in and manipulation claims

In an official statement, the Local Government Information Officer, Ahmed Yusha’u, condemned what he described as the spread of false reports and misleading media.

“The Council has observed the circulation of videos on social media falsely suggesting that the Vice Chairman has been sworn in as the new Executive Chairman of Fufore Local Government Council,” Mr Yusha’u stated.

“The Council wishes to clarify that such claims are misleading and should not be treated as authentic information.

“Some of the videos being circulated may have been manipulated, taken out of context, or generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create a false impression about the current leadership situation.”

Mr Yusha’u urged the public to disregard unverified statements and refrain from sharing content capable of triggering unnecessary tension.

“Fufore is a community that values peace, unity, religious tolerance, and harmonious coexistence among people of different ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he added.

“The Council calls on all residents, social media users, and media practitioners to protect these values by promoting responsible communication.”

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The council stated that all official announcements concerning executive leadership will only be communicated through authorised channels.

Addressing the rumours surrounding the circumstances of Mr Saidu’s death, the local government also dismissed circulating claims alleging foul play, including poisoning or spiritual attacks.

“These claims remain unverified and should not be presented as facts without credible evidence and appropriate investigation,” the statement noted.

“Members of the public are therefore urged to refrain from spreading rumours or making speculative statements that could mislead the public or create unnecessary tension”, the official statement read.

Mr Hammanjoda is expected to be sworn in as the substantive chairman in accordance with constitutional provisions, after the official mourning protocols.