Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has cautioned residents against being used by politicians to malign others or engage in actions capable of causing public disorder.
Ododo gave the warning on Sunday in Lokoja while reacting to a purported social media post by one Joy Sadiq, popularly known as “Mama Kogi,” alleging strained relationship between former governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and President Bola Tinubu.
Sadiq was alleged to have made a post on social media saying President Tinubu has abandoned and is persecuting Bello, despite his contributions to the president’s victory in the 2023 general elections.
She was reportedly arrested on Saturday and is currently being investigated over the remarks.
“As citizens you shouldn’t allow yourselves to be used by selfish and destructive politicians who think only of themselves.
“If you do, you will be the ones to bear the consequences of such allegations,” Ododo said.
He urged parents and guardians to caution their children, especially as the 2027 elections draw near.
The governor said he had already engaged the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Naziru Kankarofi, to obtain details on Sadiq’s case.
“We are aware of the arrest over the allegations against our loving and hardworking president.
“Government is interested in a thorough investigation on the motive behind such action. We cannot sit back and watch someone level false accusations against our president. Such behaviour is alien to our culture.” he said.
In a separate reaction, former Gov. Bello dismissed claims by Sadiq suggesting a strained relationship between him and Tinubu.
In a statement he personally signed in Lokoja, Bello said the assertions were “inaccurate, misleading and malicious.”
He said he had no links to the political content creator other than her occasional claims of allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi.
“She does not speak for me, has never represented me, nor any government or entity under my leadership. Her assertions are entirely her own,” Bello said.
Bello stressed that his relationship with Tinubu remained cordial and rooted in mutual respect and shared political goals.
“I remain fully committed to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027 and reject any attempt to misrepresent my relationship with him,” he said.
