Anxiety In Kogi Over the Disappearance of Gov Bello

Anxiety In Kogi Over the Disappearance of Gov Bello

There was palpable unease in Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria on Sunday following the non-sighting of Governor Yahaya Bello in public in the last two weeks.

The youthful governor, whose smile and white apparel have been a hallmark of Kogi politics over the past year, has completely disappeared from the public space putting all state functions on hold with the Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, saddled with the duty of receiving visitors on behalf of his boss.

This has given rise to rumours that the governor has been flown abroad to receive treatment for an undisclosed ailment, Punch reports.

However, the governor’s spokesman, Kingsley Fanwo, moved to quash the rumours, claiming that his boss is merely on a two-week break. In a terse statement Sunday night, Fanwo urged the public to discountenance “the rumour,” describing it as the handiwork of detractors.

“My attention has been drawn to the spurious rumour that there are concerns over the health of the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” he said.

“I want to state clearly here for the avoidance of doubt that the rumour lacks any iota of truth. It is a reflection of the depth the enemies of Kogi State have gone in their desperate angst against fate.

“The governor is hale and hearty, healthy and unwavering in his vigour to make Kogi State the Confluence of Excellence.

“I urge all Kogites of goodwill to discountenance the rumour as His Excellency will return from his two weeks break on the 12th of November, 2016.”

Bello in September won the appeal against his emergence as governor of the state at the Supreme Court.