The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello has denied a claim that his relationship with President Bola Tinubu is strained.
In a statement personally issued on Sunday, November 16, the former governor said claims and online community ta hmby one Joy Sodiq on social media that his relationship with the president has gone sour are unfounded.
He said, “My attention has been drawn to certain online comments and videos recently circulated by one JOY SADIQ, who goes by the handles @realmamakogi and @realmamakogi2 on Facebook and TikTok respectively, in which she makes a series of unfounded allegations concerning my relationship with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“For clarity and in the public interest, I wish to state in vehement and unmistakable terms that I have no association with this individual beyond the fact that she can sometimes be found within the ranks of those who claim dubious allegiance to our great party, the APC, in Kogi State,” Bello said.
According to Bello, his relationship with Tinubu remains solid as he recognises the president as his father and the leader of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also noting that Sadiq is known for attacking prominent individuals and making unimaginable claims, Bello urged the public to disregard the statement by her.
He added, “The said individual, her statements and her activities in this and at least one other instance in which she has attacked prominent Nigerians with whom I have cordial relationships and common interests, purportedly in my support, are thoroughly denounced.
He also said that while the lady in question does not speak for him, all correspondence is made public through his official channels.
“The claims she has advanced – particularly those suggesting betrayal, exclusion from government or actions involving political, financial or security authorities – are inaccurate, misleading and not reflective of any reality known to me.
“She does not speak for me, has never represented me, much less any government or entity under my leadership or control – and her assertions are made entirely on her own accord
“My relationship with our leader and father, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR remains strong – grounded in respect, understanding and shared commitment to our collective political goals.
“I remain utterly and totally sold-out to the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for a second term in 2027 and reject any attempt to mischaracterise the relationship I enjoy with His Excellency, directly or through needless speculation, by anyone and from any quarter.
“Accordingly, I encourage the public and the media to treat the said Joy Sadig’s statements as uninformed and unconnected to me, actuated by malice to sour my personal and political partnerships with the dignitaries mentioned and to refrain from giving any weight to such material.
“For the records, all my approved communications are duly and only released on my official channels and national media platforms, when approved by me,” Bello added.
