There was widespread jubilation in Abakaliki on Thursday as news spread that the late Commissioner for Infrastructure in Ebonyi State, Fidelis Nweze, had somehow risen.
The state capital was thrown into wild jubilation and there was general excitement over the unconfirmed rumour, as commercial motorcyclists and tricycle riders openly jubilated on the road.
In a 30-second video that trended on social media, people thronged what appears to be the commissioner’s Ezza Road residence in Abakaliki, rejoicing, with loud music playing, and proclaiming: “Nweze is Alive!”
It was announced that Nweze died on Tuesday in an Abuja hospital from complications arising from a surgery.
He underwent the surgery to correct a perforated intestine injury he had from an accident he had on Saturday.
His death was announced by the state Governor, David Umahi, at the New Government House, Abakaliki on Tuesday.
The announcement of the death, however, sparked spontaneous protests among youths of Onueke Ezza South Local Government Area, who besieged the express road in their numbers, chanting songs and carrying placards demanding investigation into the commissioner’s death.
The youths also trooped to the Ezza South East Development Center Headquarters and vandalised many of the office equipment and the building.