Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has issued a legal warning to the online media platform, Daily Excessive, over a fabricated report that allegedly seeks to create tension between him and President Bola Tinubu.
The former governor’s media office announced his intention to sue those responsible for the publication in a statement signed by Michael Ohiare, Director of Yahaya Bello Media Office, which was shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday evening.
The online platform reportedly published a story claiming that Bello, during a court appearance, stated he would reveal how President Tinubu ascended to the presidency.
However, Bello’s camp has vehemently denied these claims, describing the report as false and an attempt to tarnish the former governor’s relationship with President Tinubu.
Ohiare called the article a “mischievous” and “senseless” fabrication, accusing the authors of being “unrelenting detractors” of Bello.
“Our attention has been drawn to a malicious and completely unfounded report by a website called Daily Excessive, which wrongly attributed fake quotes to our principal, Alhaji Yahaya Bello,” Ohiare said.
He emphasized that the story was clearly designed to mislead the public and cause unnecessary friction between the former governor and the president, describing it as part of a broader effort by “irresponsible politicians” to undermine their relationship.
Ohiare further stated that the report was implausible, noting that court records are public documents and easily accessible.
He stressed that any Nigerian familiar with the court proceedings involving Bello would know that no such statement had been made, as Bello has only been involved in plea hearings, not full trial sessions.
“The court is an open space, and all proceedings are closely monitored by journalists and other stakeholders,” he added.
“This is why no informed Nigerian would give any credence to such a ridiculous report from a source like Daily Excessive.”
The media office also reaffirmed that Yahaya Bello continues to hold the President in high regard and would never make disparaging comments about him.
“Alhaji Yahaya Bello has immense respect for President Tinubu and would never utter such baseless remarks,” Ohiare clarified, emphasizing Bello’s ongoing support for both the president and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In conclusion, Ohiare stated that the former governor’s legal team has already alerted the relevant security agencies and is determined to identify and take action against those behind the publication.
“We will ensure that those responsible for this fake news face the legal consequences of their actions,” he added.
