I am not ready for media war— Bello

KOGI State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Saturday said he was not ready for any media war with those against how government, saying they could only be replied with developmental projects.

He also expressed his readiness to maintain a cordial relationship with the press in propagating the policies and programs of his administration.

The governor, who spoke through his Director General on Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, while receiving leaders of the Society for Press Freedom in Lokoja, the state capital, said he is a democrat and an avid believer in the power of the press for mass mobilisation.

Bello said as a leader, who had embarked on bold reforms and initiatives, he would continue to work with the media to enlighten the people on the need to accept the reforms for the betterment of the generation-next kogites.

He said, “Under the present administration in Kogi State, the press will enjoy freedom, support and protection because governance suffers when the press is gagged.”

The governor said his decision to interact with senior media managers during his first anniversary in office was to enable them have first hand information about development in Kogi State and to enable them go round the state to assess what his government has been able to achieve in the last one year.

“A lot of things have been said about this administration, but we are undaunted in our drive to make the system work. Our surgical operation in the civil service is to enable the Kogi people have access to first class services in all the sectors of our economy.

“A fraud-infested civil service is inimical to development. This government has a date with history and destiny and to achieve our dreams, we need a vibrant, informed, efficient and effective civil service. We also have to block unintended beneficiaries from our payrolls in order to save funds for roads, water provision and excellent healthcare delivery.

“If people that are 72 years old refuse to leave the service, when will the youth have their chance of serving their fatherland? This government is committed to a better society for all. The civil service reforms also cover Pension Reforms. We are building a system that will assured civil servants of retirement benefits and social security.

“When the governor pledged a befitting Revenue House during his first 100 days in office, pessimists said it was not possible. We can’t fault them because they were used to politicians who failed to honour their promises. But in less than a year, this administration did not only deliver a world-class Revenue House with state-of-the-art facilities; but also an SDG Building, one of the reasons we won a Federal Government award for been one of the Sustainable Development Goal compliant states.

“Today, we have commissioned classrooms, water projects, hospitals as well and flagged off many projects across the state. Lokoja has better roads now as the administrations has improved on the township road network as well as ensure environmental sanitation. Agriculture has received a big boost as we are making it the biggest industry in the state, alongside solid minerals and tourism. These are the things we want the press to help us propagate to the world.”

The governor said he has no time for “media war” with his opponents, saying, his administration is focused on “improving the lives of Kogites.”

“The time is ticking. The Governor has a name to promote and protect. He can’t afford to join those who have nothing to offer in their circuit of failure. It is Kogi people first, second, third and last. He is prepared for service, not mud fight. Every lover of Kogi State will not want the name of the state associated with ignominy. We are giving Kogi a new name under our New Direction Agenda,” he said.