THE Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has said that he never
spread of coronavirus COVID-19 in Nigeria was political, full of lies and an avenue for political office holders and corrupt officials to embezzle and steal the nation’s resources.
Governor Bello in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onogwu Muhammed stated that governor Yahaya Bello has already put measures in place to contain the spread of the deadly virus to the state.
He also stated that he never asked the people of the state to take hot water with garlic, ginger, lemon, lime as well as steaming themselves as cure for COVID-19.
The statement read thus,”The attention of the Kogi State Governor has been drawn to fake news being circulated on some online platforms credited to His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
“The said fake news quoted the governor as saying that the reported spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria was political, full of lies and an avenue for political office holders and corrupt officials to embezzle and steal the nation’s resources.
“It went further to quote the governor as urging the people take hot water with garlic, ginger, lemon, lime as well as steaming themselves as cure for COVID-19.
“We wish to make it unequivocally clear that His Excellency did not at any time made any of such comments as claimed by the purveyors of the said fake news.
“We urge the public and good people of Kogi State to disregard the said fake news churned out by agents of mischief whose stock in trade is to mislead the people and cause disaffection in the society.
“Governor Bello is very well aware of the grim reality and danger of the COVID-19 pandemic which has brought the globe to its knees.
“A Squadron on COVID-19 led by the deputy governor, Chief Edward David Onoja with other critical stakeholders as members, have since been inaugurated and is working assiduously to stop the spread of the virus to the state.
“The government has also set up isolation centres in the state to handle any COVID-19 case which we strongly pray and hope never happens.
“The governor urges the people to continue to adhere strictly to all preventive measures put in place against COVID-19 such as regular hand washing, the use of hand sanitizers and observation of social distancing, amongst others.