By John Ikani
There is lingering confusion over the cause of death of the Registrar of NECO, Godswill Obioma as his wife and son gave conflicting report of how he died.
While the wife, Elizabeth Obioma who broke the news claimed that her husband was assassinated at their residence in Minna, Niger State, the son told newsmen that his father actually died from heart attack.
According to Mrs Obioma, “The assassins came in and killed him and left without taking anything,” She told Peoples Gazette.
But his son, Prince Godswill Obioma II said his father passed away after a brief sickness.
A short press statement sent by the son to NECO reads: “Dear Sir, this is to formally inform you that my father Prof. Godswill Obioma, the Registrar/Chief Executive of NECO passed to eternal glory yesterday 31/5/2021 after a brief illness.”
”We request that you kindly notify the Board, Management and the entire staff of the Council of this development.”
What NECO is saying
NECO, in a circular on Tuesday by its Director of Human Resource Management, Mustapha Abdul to Directors, Zonal Coordinators, Liason Officers, State Officers and all staff, corroborated that Obioma died after a brief illness.
The Circular titled: “Death of NECO Registrar/Chief Executive” explained the Registrar died on Monday after a brief illness.
“I am directed to inform all staff of the Council of the death of Prof. Godswill Obioma, Registrar/Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO), who according to family sources, died yesterday 31st May 2021 after a brief illness.
“While staff are enjoined to remain calm, the Council prays for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
Police confirms death of Obioma
On its part, Niger State Police Command described as untrue, the reports in some section of social media and national dailies that the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Examination Council (NECO), Professor Godswill Obioma, was murdered by gunmen in Minna, the state capital.
The command in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Wasiu Abiodun, said: “It is important to state categorically that on 31st May, 2021, the Registrar/CEO, National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Godswill Obioma, was rushed to National Hospital, Abuja, by his family members where he was later confirmed dead after a brief illness.”
It also urged members of the public to disregard the fake news, while advising news reporters to always verify their reports before publication to avoid creating unnecessary panic and fear in public domain.
What the police is implying
The statement from Niger State police command suggests that the late NECO boss fell critically ill in Minna and was rushed to the National Hospital Abuja (about 3 hours drive) where he eventually died.
This is as the statement was silent about Obioma’s location when he took ill before he was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja.
