Kaduna State deputy Governor Arc. Bala. Barnabas Bantex has dispelled reports that he fought with his boss, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
The deputy governor who spoke for the first time since the alleged fisticuff with the governor ensued, described the rumour as ridiculous.
Bantex stated this on Saturday 26 March, 2016 in an event to mark the yearly Ham Day in Jaba Local Government area of Kaduna State. The Deputy Governor maintained that he did not exchange any dirty slaps with the governor as widely reported especially in the social media. He said he was not unaware of the speculations that he fought with El-Rufai adding that the event was an opportunity for him to dispel the rumour.
“I am aware of the spread ridiculous rumour seeking to paint me as the victim of a fictitious fight. This sort of lies are being spread by certain Journalists of Southern Kaduna origin for what reason,”? It seems they cannot believe the strength and vitality of the relationship that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and I have built in the service of Kaduna State and together we shall deliver the promise restoration programme and our party’s manifesto for the benefit of all people,” Bantex said.
Speaking on the religious censorship bill before the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Bantex said: “We cannot ignore the fact that the threat of religious violence has not disappeared and we have a duty to confine such things to the past.”
“The bill does not in anyway prevent anybody from practicing their faith. It is firmly intended to disallow any attempt to use Religion to diminish, disturb or destroy others or threaten their lives,” Bantex said.
Reports had filtered into the media on Friday about how the deputy governor and his boss, Mallam El-Rufai exchanged dirty slaps.
The Kaduna State government is yet to officially deny the reports.
__________
Follow us on Twitter at @thesignalng
Copyright 2015 SIGNAL. Permission to use portions of this article is granted provided appropriate credits are given to www.signalng.com and other relevant sources.
