Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed “tremendous respect for the Catholic Community”.
He stated he will not do anything to disparage any religious organisation.
The Governor stated this in Lokoja through his Director General of Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo.
He said reports in the media that he disrespected the Catholic Community and its leaders were “another low by his detractors in their desperation to portray him as an irresponsible leader”.
The governor said: “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.
“These 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 charged religious leaders to join the president’s fight against corruption, insisting that no good religion has a place for corruption and corrupt people.
“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,” he said.
The governor urged the media to uphold the tenets of objective reportage in order to promote peace and security in the country.
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