In a statement on Saturday by his Director General of Media and Publicity, Kingsley Fanwo, Bello said the reports in the media that he disrespected the Catholic Community and its leaders was “another low by his detractors in their desperation to portray him as an irresponsible leader”.
He said: “My statements to the Press were well documented. I was critical of corrupt leaders, who have been disconnected from the looting pipes. These are the leaders who are launching campaign of calumny against Mr. President.
“These categories of leaders belong to different faith and may attempt to mislead highly respected religious leaders into joining their antagonism towards the anti-corruption crusade of Mr. President. 2019 is a year of determination for our nation and I have no regret leading the charge for the re-election of Mr. President who had given hope to the hopeless in the society.”
Bello charged religious leaders to join the President’s fight against corruption, insisting that no good religion has a place for corruption and corrupt people.
“The Catholic Church has done very well in promoting literacy and healthcare. I am quite familiar with a good number of Catholic Priests and I know their stance on the issue of corruption. Every church and religion must fight corruption because corruption oppresses the poor and destroy justice and fairness,” he said.
The Governor urged the media to uphold the tenets of objective reportage in order to promote peace and security in the country.
Bello, who spoke with State House Correspondents after the Jumaat prayers in the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Friday, had said when asked if he was aware of the visit of the Bishops to Buhari and their position that Nigerians are angry: “Yes. I followed it keenly and one of the key statements there was that Nigerians are angry.
“Yes, it is true that Nigerians are angry, but the question is: who are these categories of Nigerians who are angry?
“The category of Nigerians that are angry are those who used private jets to cart away Nigeria’s money in dollars out of the country to South Africa.
“I’m sure you are aware that our money is still locked down there.
“Such money, if you bring it into the economy, a lot of youths that are unemployed will surely be employed.
“And of course, those that have looted the country dry and normally go to the church and mosque to pay tithes are no longer doing so.
“Of course, these are the category of people who are angry.
“If you look at it critically, the farmers, those with real jobs, are happy because the economy is improving.
“In no time, we have come out of recession, our foreign reserve is increasing, no more bombing in Sambisa, no more bombing in the country, no more bombing in Emab Plaza even as close as Abuja, no more bombing in Suleja and all over the country.
“I think those that are benefiting from these crimes and criminality will be angry and they are Nigerians.
“So, it is important to define the category of the people who are angry.
“I want to urge Nigerians to continue to appreciate Mr. President, pray for him so that the good work he has started he will complete it so that Nigeria will be not of the woods.”
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