By Crystal Nwakanma
Former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has urged Nigerians to disregard a recent report by online blog, Daily Excessive, which falsely attributed fabricated quotes about President Bola Ahmed to him.
A statement issued by Ohiare Michael, Director, Yahaya Media Office, said the individuals behind this malicious campaign will face the full legal consequences of their actions.
Part of the statement read: “We have been made aware of a completely false and malicious report published by a dubious blog, Daily Excessive, which falsely attributed fabricated quotes about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to our principal, the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
“Under normal circumstances, we would have dismissed such a nonsensical story without any response, as no informed Nigerian would take such an absurd claim seriously—especially since court records are public documents.
“However, we feel it is important to issue this clarification to address the record and to inform social media users who often circulate unverified information without fact-checking.
“The article, part of a broader, misguided effort by certain individuals to create division between our President and former Governor Yahaya Bello, is simply laughable. It represents another failed attempt to discredit the former governor through baseless and malicious claims.
“The Media Office of Alhaji Yahaya Bello would like to unequivocally state that the report circulating on Daily Excessive—alleging that the former governor would expose how President Tinubu became President—is both misleading and a clear indication of the ignorance of those behind it.
“Anyone who has been following the court proceedings knows that the trial of former Governor Bello has not even started; he has only entered a plea in both of his cases. These court sessions are public, monitored by journalists and other stakeholders, which makes it all the more puzzling that anyone would take such an absurd claim seriously.
“While we acknowledge the plight of those spreading this falsehood, driven by a narrow and unhealthy agenda, we want to emphasize that those involved are only confusing themselves. Alhaji Yahaya Bello has always shown immense respect for President Tinubu and would never make such baseless accusations.
“Alhaji Yahaya Bello will continue to support President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite the smear campaign being waged by his detractors.
“We have notified the appropriate security agencies and are committed to identifying those responsible for circulating this fake news. The individuals behind this malicious campaign will face the full legal consequences of their actions.”