The Director General Media and Publicity to Kogi State Governor, Evangelist Kingsley Fanwo has clarified his response to issues raised by the Kogi Central senatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Barr. Natasha Akpoti on a national television programme.
Fanwo asserted that Kogi Central electorate will not support a woman “who do not have a proper family” on Sunday while responding to questions of violence in the state on “Democracy Today,” a programme hosted by Ijeoma Osamor on African Independent Television.
Appearing live on the television programme on Monday evening, Fanwo explained that criticisms over his comments were mere misconceptions on the part of those who listened to the conversation on Sunday.
He apologized to women who were offended by his comments but insisted that he does not owe Natasha an apology.
He tasked viewers to draw a line between what Natasha represents and what womanhood represents.
“As a person, I respect women. As a person, I respect women from Kogi Central. They are some of the most brilliant, resourceful and women of integrity you can think about in Nigeria.
“The society is very smart, they know all these things. They know people are trying to play up a lot of sentiments. Like what happened yesterday (Sunday), I have read so many things. I have respect for women, I have respect for Kogi Central people, they are some of the best. And what I said yesterday was nothing against women because I have great regard for women.
“I am saying to them, to all the women, that anyone that is offended by what I said, I am clearly very sorry. But I am not moving away from the fact that Natasha does not have the morality to represent the people,” he said.
The TV host, Ijeoma, however interjected saying: “An injury to one is an injury to all. So, if you will not apologise to Natasha it means you do not want to apologise to the women folk.”
Fanwo debunked claims by opposition parties in Kogi state that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is orchestrating political violence across the state. He accused opposition of unbridled propaganda.
