The Media Office of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, has urged Nigerians to disregard a fabricated report circulating online that falsely attributes controversial statements about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bello.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mr. Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, described the report as mischievous and baseless, blaming it on a little-known platform called Daily Excessive.
“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t dignify such absurdity with a response. However, this clarification is necessary to set the record straight and prevent the further spread of misinformation by unsuspecting social media users,” the statement read.
Ohiare dismissed the report, which claimed Bello threatened to expose how President Tinubu became Nigeria’s leader, as a desperate attempt by political detractors to create a rift between the former governor and the President.
“The report is part of a laughable plot by irresponsible politicians aiming to tarnish the strong relationship between President Tinubu and Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” he said. “It is not only misleading but also highlights the desperation of these failed hatchet-job executors.”
The statement further noted that Yahaya Bello has immense respect for President Tinubu and the office he holds, emphasizing that the former governor would never make the disparaging remarks attributed to him.
Addressing claims that Bello’s court appearances in cases involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were linked to the alleged comments, Ohiare explained that proceedings are public and no trial has commenced in any of the cases.
“The courts are open spaces monitored by journalists and stakeholders, and no informed Nigerian would take such a ridiculous story seriously,” Ohiare stated.
He also accused the unnamed blog of serving as a tool for mischief-makers and announced that security agencies have been notified to identify and prosecute those behind the false publication.
“Let it be clear: Alhaji Yahaya Bello remains a staunch supporter of President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Attempts to paint a misleading picture of their relationship will continue to fail,” the statement concluded.
