Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has debunked allegations that he has withdrawn his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Sunday Tribune had reported that Governor Bello who is the National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council withdrew his support for Tinubu over fears that the former Lagos state governor may back his rival, James Faleke in the December Kogi State governorship election.
However, Governor Bello described the publication as “unfortunate” and “fake news”. He spoke on Channels TV programme, Sunday Politics.
He urged law enforcement agencies, media regulatory bodies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to probe and persecute the perpetrators of the fake news.
“Myself, I woke up to see that particular fake news in the air today. And according to your introduction, there is no smoke without fire, in this particular instance, I’m sure the desire is to prepare the fire in the air. And you know surely it can not be sustained.
“So, there is definitely no fire not to talk of smoke in relating to the fake news they peddled.
“It is much unfortunate. And I’m urging all the law enforcement agencies and all regulatory bodies regarding journalism and media practitioners practicing in Nigeria to please live up to their responsibilities.
“The current electoral law empowers even INEC to investigate things like this and persecute the liars; those who perpetrate fake news as far as this election is concerned,” he said.
Governor Bello reiterated his unwavering support for Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign.
“Let me further reassure millions of Nigerian youths and Nigerians, and our followers and supporters within the country and across the world, that, I remained very supportive, ardent supporter, mobilizer, campaigner, and driver of votes for our leader and the president-in-waiting, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the flag bearer of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, and my own brother, His Excellency, Sen. Kashim Shettima. These are the president and vice president in the waiting.
“And of course, every Nigerian knows that I’m a big factor as far as this election is concerned. Because of the demography I represent in this country and even across the globe. So, of course, they can come up with fake news, but it is incumbent on all law enforcement agencies to quickly take action against these people.”
He gave a 24-hour ultimatum to Tribune to retract the publication.
“I’m expecting that the management and that media house, Tribune that you know was so respected. I personally respect Tribune very well and I don’t know why they allowed themselves to be dragged into this kind of messy situation.
“I expect them to retract that particular publication. And tender a public apology and give it a lot of publication within 24 hours. Else, I think my lawyers are capable of doing the needful,” Governor Bello added.
