By Olaitan Ibrahim
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed widespread social media rumours alleging that he is responsible for the pregnancy of reality TV star, Nengi Hampson.
The speculation, which recently gained traction online, claimed that Nengi had given birth to the governor’s child, with some reports even suggesting he has four wives.
On Monday, social media was abuzz with claims that the 27-year-old former Big Brother Naija star was expecting a child with the governor, who appointed her as Senior Special Assistant on Girl Child Development in 2020.
Reacting to the rumours on his Facebook page on Tuesday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Samuel Oredipe, condemned the allegations, describing them as “fake news” spread by “wicked people.”
He clarified that Nengi and Diri have no personal relationship beyond her official appointment.
He further accused political opponents of fabricating the story to tarnish the governor’s reputation as his administration marked its fifth anniversary.
He wrote, “Political enemies of His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, are at work again. What a wicked set of people spreading falsehood on a day the Prosperity Administration commenced activities marking its 5th anniversary.
“Nengi Rebecca Hampson, has no personal relationship with Governor Diri and it is regrettable that purveyors of fake news are not happy with the towering political profile of the governor.
“Nengi herself has come out clean on the social media to debunk their lies. This is a distraction and some of us are very justified on the many reasons offered to regulate use of the various social media.
“Sadly, while we were inaugurating a brand new road in Yenagoa, social media e-rats were spreading falsehood about the governor. Governor Diri, is a man of honour and dignity.’’
NNengi also took to her X (formerly Twitter) handle to address the rumours, emphasising that she was not pregnant for any governor, stating, “As much as I believe social media lies aren’t worth my time, I’ve come to accept that we live in a world where people are quick to spread lies without limits. So, let me be clear, I’m not pregnant for any governor.
“I’ve chosen to speak coz this isn’t just an attack on me, it involves people I hold in the highest regard, and I won’t allow a beautiful, personal part of my life be turned into something ugly.While I continue to mind my business and enjoy my pregnancy in peace, I wish y’all love and a happy Valentine’s weekend.”