The Director General Media and Publicity to the Governor, of Kogi State has distanced the Governor from reports doing the round that he ordered the arrest of a journalist.
Fanwo said security agencies are free to operate within the purview of their mandate to ensure peace and security in the State.
“The administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello wishes to place on record, its respect for the principle of free press, under which the citizenry can express their views without molestation.
“The Governor has not and would not order the arrest of any journalist who is doing his or her legitimate job. The media is our partner in progress and our government will continue to collaborate with the media for development”.
He said the Governor has always identified with the Nigerian Union of Journalists in order to ensure journalists who operate in the State are not exposed to any form of molestation or harassment, saying no society can grow without the support of the press.
When asked about the publication that led to the arrest of the journalist, Fanwo said the Governor doesn’t need to direct security agencies before they do their job.
“The DSS is not under the control of the Governor. They are here to mitigate any form of threat to peace and security and if they consider anything an attempt to breach the peace, they are free to intervene to ensure peace and orderliness in the society”.
