Yahaya Bello, the Governor of Kogi state, has denied recent reports that he has withdrawn his support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu. Bello, who is also the national youth coordinator of the APC presidential campaign council, described the report as “fake news” and called on law enforcement and regulatory bodies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for spreading false information, particularly in relation to the upcoming election.
During an interview on Channels Television, Bello emphasized that he remains a dedicated supporter and campaigner for Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima. He also dismissed any rumors of rivalry with fellow APC member, James Faleke, who is a lawmaker representing the Ikeja federal constituency. Bello stated that Faleke is his brother and that they are working towards a common goal of securing victory for the APC in February.
When asked about power rotation in the state, Bello stated that his administration has changed the dynamics in Kogi, and that people no longer care about the region, religion, or tribe that their leaders come from. He emphasized that his focus is on delivering good governance and development for the people of Kogi state, regardless of their background.
The Governor’s statement comes amidst the build-up to the 2023 general elections in Nigeria and the political alignments and realignments that are taking place across the country. The report of his alleged withdrawal of support for Tinubu had sparked concerns among supporters of the APC and raised questions about the stability of the party ahead of the elections. However, Bello’s clarification should ease the concerns of the APC and its supporters and assure them of the Governor’s support for the party’s candidate.
In conclusion, it’s important for media practitioners and journalist to do their research and fact-check their information before publishing, as it could cause unnecessary panic among the populace and affect the image of the political party or individual involved. It’s also important for the regulatory bodies of journalism to live up to their responsibilities by investigating and prosecuting those who spread false information.