THE Kogi State Government has declared that Governor Usman Ododo remains a staunch member of the All Progressives Congress, stressing that he is not considering defecting to the opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This statement was made in response to a report by an online news platform (not News Point Nigeria), which went viral early on Saturday.
The report claimed that Ododo, who secured a Supreme Court victory on Friday, dismissing the appeal of the Social Democratic Party candidate, Murtala Ajaka, contesting Ododo’s victory in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election, was considering defecting to the PDP.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Saturday, sent to News Point Nigeria, described the report as “a reckless and unprofessional media report.”
See full statement below:
KOGI STATE GOVERNMENT PRESS STATEMENT
KOGI GOVERNOR REMAINS A STAUNCH MEMBER OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, IGNORE MISCHIEF-MAKERS
1. The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a reckless and unprofessional media report that the Governor of the State was considering dumping the All Progressives Congress. We would have ignored the blatant falsehood but we owe the public the duty of correct and adequate information.
2. The promoters of the falsehood are people who are still rueing their woeful failure at the law courts and probably trying to find a back door into the All Progressives Congress, hence their resort to the only tools at their disposal which are falsehood, propaganda, misinformation and disinformation.
3. The picture being circulated was taken at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, His Excellency, Agbu Kefas, which was attended by dignitaries across the country, including the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON as well as Governors across party lines. His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo was at the occasion to honor the daughter of a colleague like other Governors did.
4. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo just yesterday, triumphed at the Supreme Court with the support of his party. It is unintelligent to insinuate that the Governor is abandoning the party that supported him all through his electioneering and the litigations. Their craft of lies are falling like a pack of cards.
5. We want to assure the good people of Kogi State that their Governor remains a solid member of the All Progressives Congress and will support the party’s success, not only in Kogi State, but nationally. We urge the people to rest assured that Kogi remains APC and will continue to support the laudable policies and progress being recorded by the President of our dear nation, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Indeed, Governors are united across party lines to support the efforts of Mr President at uniting our nation.
6. It is, however, pertinent to remind the media of its responsibility to the tenets of journalism. Journalists should always strive to stay away from falsehood/unfounded lies concocted by interested ‘sources’. The media must continue to retain our trust and confidence at all times.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo, Hon Commissioner for Information and Communications, 24/08/2024
