The Media Office of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has vehemently denied allegations linking him to the ongoing #Endbadgovernance protests across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Michael Ohiare, the office dismissed the claims as part of a calculated effort by adversaries to tarnish Bello’s reputation.
The statement, which was made available to journalists in Lokoja, described the allegations as part of a “high-wired plan” by disgruntled elements and those involved in what it termed the “Project Bring Down Yahaya Bello.”
It said these groups are attempting to falsely accuse Bello of sponsoring the protests.
“We wouldn’t have bothered to respond to a clout-chasing criminal, blackmailer, and blackmail pawn, a hired gun in the hands of some unpatriotic Nigerians, who published a fake, malicious, and unintelligent report about an imaginary involvement of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the ongoing protests across the country,” the statement read.
The media office further emphasized that the response was necessary due to the national security implications of the falsehoods being spread.
The statement condemned the actions of some protesters who were seen displaying foreign flags, calling it an irresponsible act.
It described the allegations against Bello as “reckless and irresponsibly malicious,” asserting that the former governor is a patriot dedicated to the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
The statement highlighted Bello’s past efforts in mediating and resolving conflicts between northern food transporters and their southern counterparts, which could have escalated into a major crisis.
“What threatened our fragile unity was resolved amicably on the negotiation table provided by Alhaji Yahaya Bello when he mediated between the northern food transporters and their southern counterparts and brought them together as food exchange between the two regions was threatened.
That move earned him so much commendation by leaders of the country at that time,” the statement noted.
The media office also recalled Bello’s support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election. It mentioned how Bello, along with other colleagues, challenged the naira redesign policy and secured a Supreme Court judgment to set it aside.
This intervention was described as pivotal at a time when the nation was on the brink of economic collapse.
“During the presidential election, Yahaya Bello mobilised residents of Kogi to deliver victory for President Tinubu.
“Can the masterminds of his persecution show the world the results of their state? Yahaya Bello also mobilised the youth of the nation as the APC Youth Mobilisation Committee Chairman because of his faith in the leadership capacity of Mr President,” the statement added.
Despite Bello’s prominent role in the All Progressives Congress and his alignment with President Tinubu, the former governor’s current whereabouts remain unknown.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared him wanted over an alleged N80.2bn fraud, and there has been no intervention from President Tinubu regarding the criminal case.
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