By Kingsley Fanwo

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, runner-up in the APC governorship primary has distanced himself from a press statement claiming that he had ordered the collapse of his political structure into that of the APC candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu.

Bello told Vanguard that the statement credited to one Muktar Atima who claimed to be his media aide was not the true reflection of his political mind set. He also dissociated himself from anyone claiming to be his media aide.

“Like thousands of other Kogites, Muktar Atima is one of my supporters. In as much as I appreciate the support of Kogi people, we cannot allow our emotions to bury the need for projecting issues through designated institutions. New Direction is a movement that I am only opportune to lead. It has grown beyond Yahaya Bello and when we are through with our consultations, we shall speak to the press.

“I have not mandated anyone to negotiate with any political group on behalf of New Direction nor ask anyone to collapse our structure into any other. One thing is clear: I will keep giving all my support to the president of our nation who is my mentor. I will also continue to respect the national and state leadership of our great party”, he said.

Fair Plus, as Yahaya Bello is fondly called, pledged his continued support to the development of Kogi State.

“My dream of a new and better Kogi State is too strong to be washed away by the tides of August 29. I hold on to my dream of a Kogi where youths and women are empowered, where the capital city and major cities are renewed, where agriculture and education become models for others, where healthcare and infrastructures are comparable to those in first rated nations. I won’t allow this dream to be slaughtered by those who are weaker than our collective will”, he said.