The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has cautioned residents against making or spreading statements critical of President Bola Tinubu, describing such actions as potentially harmful to peace and stability in the state and across Nigeria.
The warning came in a video message released on Sunday in Lokoja, following the arrest of an activist identified as Joy Sadiq, popularly known as “Real Mama Kogi”. Sadiq had posted a viral video alleging that former Governor Yahaya Bello was facing a strained relationship with President Tinubu and claimed that Tinubu was allegedly “witch-hunting” Bello despite his support during the 2023 presidential election.
Responding to journalists, Governor Ododo described the allegations as part of efforts by “selfish individuals” to incite tension and crisis in Kogi and nationwide.
“The President is doing all he can to fix this nation. We are aware that there are selfish and self-centered individuals who are using our people to make despicable statements against him,” Ododo said.
He added that criticism of the President by those he described as being used by political interests would not be tolerated. “We won’t accept it. The law enforcement agencies will ensure that those sponsoring hate speech are apprehended,” he said.
Governor Ododo urged parents and community leaders to caution youths against being manipulated by “fraudulent politicians” to malign public figures. He stressed that the government does not use thugs but relies on the law to address threats to public order.
“Politics has been taken too far. Nigerians, especially Kogites, should not be used to malign anybody’s image. Anybody involved will face the full wrath of the law,” he warned.
The governor further noted that police investigations are ongoing into the viral video, emphasizing that legal action would be taken where necessary.
