Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has debunked reports that he donated N70m at the book launch of the first lady, Aisha Buhari last week.
Bello’s denial was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday.
The statement reads, “The book launch was organised by the nation’s first lady to garner support for the families of the abducted Chibok girls which was attended by Governor Bello to lend support to the traumatised families of the girls. As a political leader and a parent, Governor Bello is touched by the plight of the girls and their families, hence the will to identify with the project.
“The book launch was televised to the whole world and no one announced what anyone donated. Governor Bello did not donate N70m as insinuated by the people who are turning opposition politics to a comical adventure.”
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary noted that contrary to reports, he never approached any bank for a loan.
Stating that Bello had paid two months’ salary arrears, out of the four months owed civil servants by the immediate past administration, Fanwo described the vote of no confidence passed on the governor by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership as unfortunate.
Fanwo stated that the governor had been fair in his appointment.
He said, “It is not true that the governor made 45 political appointments. Some appointments are purely professional and only people who are competent in those fields are capable of discharging such roles effectively.
“Majority of those appointed are in the APC while many others are not politicians but technocrats who can drive the new direction agenda of the present administration. The governor deserves commendation for assembling a team that is already delivering great services to the people of the state.
“The Yahaya Bello administration has relegated mediocrity to the back seat. We need to drive Kogi to work; and for her to work, round pegs must be in round holes without prejudice to fairness and equity.”
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