In a statement today by his special adviser on media and strategy, Alhaji Abdulmalik Abadulkareem, the governor believed that security operatives attached to the Government House should be professionals enough to understand the role of media in the drive of Governor Bello to reposition the state for greatness.
The governor was reacting to the locking out of journalists from the swearing-in of his newly appointed Deputy, Simon Achuba in Lokoja, the state capital yesterday.
The governor said that no report of the security personnel disallowing journalists access to cover the swearing in of the Deputy Governor was brought to his notice even as he described the incident as unfortunate.
“We however want to underscore our readiness to work with the media and ensure we create for them, a good working environment to thrive and help the society.”
Yahaya Bello made it clear that the choice of Simon Achuba as his deputy met all legal, political and social criteria, saying that the choice of Achuba was in line with his tradition of ensuring the advancement of the rule of law and ethnic balancing without prejudice to merit.
He said that Achuba is a seasoned administrator with diverse experience in local government administration and legislative governance, adding that the new deputy governor was once Vice Chairman of Ibaji Local Government Area.
Achuba is also said to be from the political camp of the late candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election that produced Bello, Prince Abubakar Audu.
The statement said this was not only an expression of respect for the late elder statesman, but a timely ethnic balancing move, which has been the pillar of the Bello Administration.
“The Governor has displayed capacity to cement the state into a united force that is capable of deemphasizing ethnic or religious bigotry, to become an economic giant in the country.” [myad]
