The Niger state government has described a report of purported suspension of the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Niger state as untrue and false.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Danjuma Salau, he said the report lacks facts and credibility and blatant lies.
The statement reads in part; “On the headline of the report read: Governor Bello Suspends Chief of Staff Mikail Bmitosahi. And a close look at the first paragraph shows that the Governor is mulling the suspension of the Chief of staff. This is to say the least unprofessional.
“It is understandable that the writer is not even sure of his source and the authenticity of the story and so could not present it appropriately.
“On the allegation of gross misconduct and fraudulent diversion of N600 million, nothing is farther than the truth as the allegation is not only false but a calculated attempt to soil the image of the Chief of Staff whom the Governor has bestowed serious responsibilities since the inception of the administration.
“It would be recalled that the Chief of staff assumed the office coming with him loads of experience as a seasoned politician and who was a member of house representatives.
“The Chief of Staff, the Chief Press Secretary and other top Niger state government functionaries are at present on the entourage of the governor to meet with the United States African Development Foundation to partner in Agriculture and solar grid development.
“Furthermore, the Chief of Staff would then proceed to the United Kingdom to attend a workshop organized by UK King’s College/Kings African Leadership centre with his APC Colleagues. It is instructive that in his absence somebody must deputise.
“On the alleged rift between the Chief Press Secretary and the Director General of ICT Government house, and not the Senior Special assistant as was wrongly quoted “I can tell you without equivocation that it’s a figment of the writer’s imagination as the Chief Press Secretary is the Principal coordinator of all media machinery to the governor and there is no basis for any rift including the alleged N10 million mentioned.
“I have continuously advised my media colleagues to refrain from hearsay and rumors as these are not the ingredients of responsible journalism. It is expected that reports should be double-checked for authenticity before publication in order not to breed rancor.”
Comment here