Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has denied reports that he donated N70m at the book launch of Aisha Buhari last week.

The governor said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, on Sunday.


 
He said, “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.”

Fanwo said he never approached any bank for a loan, adding that the Zenith Bank loan story was aimed at distracting the governor from his laudable programmes in the state.

The governor’s spokesman said he had also paid two months’ salary arrears, out of the four months owed civil servants by the immediate past administration.

The CPS said the alleged vote of no confidence passed on the governor by a section of the All Progressives Congress’ leadership was unfortunate.

He said the governor had been fair in his appointment, insisting that the governor would continue to work with the party leadership to actualise the change agenda of the APC.

Fanwo added, “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.”

He said the governor had no association with the Peoples Democratic Party since his belief in the ideology of the APC is “unwaveringly unimpeachable,” urging the people of the state to discountenance the allegations as baseless, untrue and unfortunate.”

Fanwo said a number of high profile foreign investments would soon flow into the state. These investments, he said, include a $363m comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park.