Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has distanced the State Government from reports making the rounds that the state has secured a multi-billion bailout fund from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The Governor said his administration is committed to transparency and public communication to turn away from the past maladies of corruption and keeping the people of the state in the dark about government activities.
Governor Bello disclosed this through a press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, saying his administration will continue to pursue any measure that can ameliorate poverty among the people.
“Kogi State has not secured bailout fund from the Central Bank as insinuated by some mischievous characters, who lack the art of objective opposition and syllogistic positioning on issues that affect the state,” the statement said.
“I cannot continue to lament on the rot of the past. I was elected to bring hope to the people and not to dwell on the maladministration of the past governments in the state.
“It is spurious to say we have secured the bailout funds meant for the state from the Central Bank of Nigeria. As soon as we receive the fund, we will announce to the whole world as part of the policy of my administration to run a government that will be in touch with the people.”
“This is the time to bond together to subjugate and conquer our common challenges as a state. It is not the time to spread falsehood that could dampen our progress. The sponsors of the rumour have failed in their attempts at diminishing the growing acceptance and popularity of the Governor among the people, who have shown tremendous appreciation to his policies, especially on public service reforms and cleansing.”
The Governor urged politicians to desist from “playing politics with the welfare of the people”, assuring the workers of the state of his “irrevocable commitment to improve their welfare and productivity.”
His words: “It is not right to turn down the truth for political gains. It is the height of indifference to the yearnings and aspirations of the civil servants who have been eagerly awaiting the release of this fund. We are following the procedural processes to ensure we play our own part of the deal.”
Governor Bello also described as wanton falsehood, claims that the non-release of the fund is political, expressing confidence that the processes leading to the release will soon be over.
In a related development, the Governor has pledged to treat every part of the state fairly. He said the entire state remains his constituency, stating the readiness of his administration to take development to every nook and cranny of the state.
