The Special Adviser to Governor Bello Matawalle on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, has said that those casting “baseless accusations” against the person of the governor are disadvantaged politicians seeking relevance.
Recall that an online medium had accused the governor of sponsoring thugs to attack its office in Gusau.
Reacting to the accusation, Mr Bappa, in a statement on Wednesday, said those politicians and organisations had cash in on the open-door policy of the governor to bring his name to disrepute.
He said: “We have noticed an increased trend of reckless accusations against the person of Governor Bello Matawalle from disgruntled quarters across the state.’’
He said such accusations came from “disadvantaged politicians seeking for relevance and some so-called professional organisations seeking for recognition by all means.
“It must be stated here that democracy and freedom of speech are sacrosanct but in no way a ticket to abuse the institution of authority with slander and libel.’’
Mr Bappa said that anybody or organisation with complaint against any misdeed must follow due process in seeking for redress.
According to him, they should do this by reporting any matter to the security operatives and approach the court for redress based on the outcome of investigation.
He warned that henceforth, no person or groups should publicly accuse the state governor or his administration with “baseless innuendos’’.
“We hereby draw the attention of all persons and organisations to be cautious as the law will take its course on any further slander or libel against the governor.’’
NAN
