The Media Office of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has dismissed an online report alleging that he criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The report, attributed to a blog known as Daily Excessive, was described as “senseless fake news” by Mr. Ohiare Michael, Director of Bello’s Media Office.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Michael urged Nigerians to disregard the report, labeling it as a “mischievous and baseless fabrication” aimed at tarnishing the former governor’s image and straining his relationship with the president. He also warned that those behind the report would face legal action.
“Our attention has been drawn to a not only mischievous but absolutely senseless report published by a mushroom blog called Daily Excessive, which attributed fake quotes against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to our principal, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” the statement read.
“Ordinarily, we would not have even bothered to give this any attention, considering the fact that no informed Nigerian would take such a ridiculous story, written by a sick mind, seriously, especially since court records are public documents. This clarification is, however, necessary for the record and for the benefit of social media users who circulate fake news without fact-checking the details.”
The statement further alleged that the report was part of a “desperate plot” by “irresponsible politicians” to create discord between President Tinubu and Yahaya Bello.
The Media Office insisted that Bello has great respect for President Tinubu and the office of the presidency, adding that the former governor remains a committed member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Alhaji Yahaya Bello will continue to support the President and his party, the All Progressives Congress, despite the misleading picture his detractors are trying so hard to paint,” the statement affirmed.
On the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former governor and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the statement clarified that court proceedings had not commenced. Bello, it noted, had only taken his plea, and all court records are accessible to the public.
“Every Nigerian who has been following court proceedings, since the former governor submitted himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, knows that trial has not commenced in any of the cases. Former Governor Bello has only taken his plea at both courts,” the statement said.
The Media Office vowed to track down the source of the fake report, warning that those responsible would face the full weight of the law.
“We have alerted security agencies to unveil the identities of those behind the website that was used in circulating this fake report and will ensure that the purveyors of the fake news face the legal consequences of their action,” the statement concluded.
The response from Yahaya Bello’s Media Office highlights ongoing political tensions, reaffirming the former governor’s unwavering support for President Tinubu.
