Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has denied reports that he insulted Catholic bishops who visited President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday.
The Catholic bishops led by Dr Ignatius Kaigama had informed the president that his goodwill was fast being “depleted” among Nigerians who elected him to right the wrongs in the polity.
But after Friday’s Juma’at prayers at the Presidential Villa mosque, the governor said it was corrupt politicians who were angry with the president.
The governor’s comment had degenerated into controversy, with many accusing him of disparaging the Catholic bishops.
However, the governor’s media aide, Kingsley Fanwo, said Bello’s detractors had coloured his statement to embarrass him.
Fanwo, who spoke on behalf of the governor, said it was “another low by his (Bello’s) detractors in their desperation to portray him as an irresponsible leader”.
Bello noted, “My statements to the Press were well documented. I was critical of corrupt leaders, who have been disconnected from the looting pipes. These are the leaders who are launching campaign of calumny against Mr. President .
“ lThese categories of leaders belong to different faith and may attempt to mislead highly respected religious leaders into joining their antagonism towards the anti – corruption crusade of Mr. President. 2019 is a year of determination for our nation and I have no regret leading the charge for the re -election of Mr. President who had given hope to the hopeless in the society . ”
Bello enjoined religious leaders to join the war on corruption and charged the media to remain objective in their reportage.
“The Catholic Church has done very well in promoting literacy and healthcare. I am quite familiar with a good number of Catholic Priests and I know their stance on the issue of corruption. Every church and religion must fight corruption because corruption oppresses the poor and destroy justice and fairness.”