Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed social media rumors alleging that he is responsible for the pregnancy of reality TV star, Nengi Hampson.
The rumors, which recently gained traction online, claimed that Nengi had given birth to the governor’s child, with some speculating that he has four wives.
According to The Guardian, social media was flooded on Monday with claims that the 27-year-old former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) star was expecting a child with Diri, who had appointed her as Senior Special Assistant on Girl Child Development in 2020.
Reacting to the allegations, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Samuel Oredipe, took to Facebook on Tuesday to denounce the claims, describing them as “fake news” spread by “wicked people.”
He clarified that there was no personal relationship between the governor and Nengi beyond her official appointment, accusing political opponents of fabricating the story to tarnish Diri’s image during the fifth anniversary of his administration.
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 social media to debunk their lies.
“This is a distraction, and some of us are very justified on the many reasons offered to regulate the use of 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.”
Nengi also addressed the speculation via her X handle, refuting the allegations and expressing frustration over the spread of false information.
“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 because 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 to 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,” she wrote.
The controversy coincides with Governor Diri’s administration celebrating its fifth anniversary, with his aides attributing the allegations to political mischief aimed at distracting from his achievements.
