Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has warned against peddling of malicious and inflammatory statements against those in positions of authority and capable of creating disaffection among people in the state.
Speaking in Lokoja on Sunday after receiving briefing from security agencies over a viral video allegedly sponsored to malign key political leaders, Governor Ododo cautioned members of the public against getting trapped in the negative intent of selfish political actors who may be out to destabilize the state and the country by fueling misunderstanding among leaders.
“This matter is already under investigation, and interrogation is ongoing. What I can say is that this is politics taken too far, and we will not accept it,” he stated.
Governor Ododo emphasized that some individuals were deliberately attempting to incite crisis by spreading falsehoods about the relationship between former Governor Yahaya Bello and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both of whom he noted enjoy good and healthy relationship.
He described the alleged smear campaign via the said the social media post as an act driven by desperation and warned that those involved would face the full weight of the law.
“The President is doing all he could to fix this nation. But there are selfish and self-centered individuals using our people to push hate narratives. Nigerians, especially Kogites, must not allow themselves to be used to malign anybody’s image,” he said.
He appealed to parents, elders and community leaders to caution their wards against getting involved in smear campaigns on social media, stressing that the political campaign season often emboldens fraudulent politicians who sponsor damaging content to deceive the public.
The governor also reiterated that his administration does not rely on thuggery but on the rule of law and the work of security agencies to address unlawful conduct by individuals or groups.
“The law enforcement agencies are there to ensure that those sponsoring hate speech are apprehended. Sadly, I saw some politicians sharing this video. As a responsible child, if your father is being insulted, you don’t repeat it,” he added.
Governor Ododo assured citizens that due legal processes would be followed as the state works to prevent misinformation and politically-motivated content from threatening peace and stability in the state.
