The Media Office of the Kogi State Governor-Elect, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, has debunked the allegation that he has no Permanent Voters Card, PVC, describing the claim as “a spurious and unintelligent misrepresentation”.
In a statement released by the Yahaya Adoza Bello Media Office, the Governor-Elect accused the deputy Governor-Elect, Hon. James Faleke of treating the All Progressives Congress, APC, with contempt and disrespect, insisting the party’s decision on his election was in order.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the disturbing, malicious and misleading statements made by one Duro Meseko of Faleke Group, alleging that the Kogi State Governor-Elect in the person of Alhaji Yahaya Bello has no PVC, and that he is making a clandestine move to get the said PVC from INEC, on the basis of which he surmised that AYB stands disqualified. These among other malicious and ridiculous accusations against Alh Yahaya Bello are highly ridiculous and mischievous.
“Ordinarily, the Media Office of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello would have ignored such phantom allegations but for the concern expressed by many Nigerians.
“For the record, we want the Faleke campaigners to know that the Kogi State Governor-Elect, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, would never indulge in such a pedestrian and base disposition. It is therefore a gross transmission of ignorance to think or allege that a party stakeholder, Governorship Aspirant, Candidate and Governor-Elect has no Permanent Voters Card.
“APC as a party sets guidelines in line with operating Electoral Act for any person aspiring to all political offices, governorship inclusive. Such persons are screened and vetted before the Party’s primaries and general election.
“Bello crossed every “t” and dotted every “i” of the provisions of Electoral Act and the Party’s Constitution for his qualification. There was nowhere the leadership of the Party found him wanting, including the issue of PVC which is in the possession of Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello.
“We have no choice than to surmise that the resort to falsehood by Faleke Campaigners is a manifestation of their principal’s desperation and lust for power.
“Is it also not strange that Hon James Faleke, who was elected by Lagos electorate to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency at the National Assembly in 2015, who has not delivered or fulfilled any of his campaign promises to Lagosians, is jostling to be Governor in Kogi State before the Elections Tribunal?”
While questioning the stake of Faleke in the peace, progress, tranquility and unity of Kogi state, the Governor-Elect urged him “and his group to restrain themselves from words and actions that can cause anarchy in our dear state”.