By joshua 
RE: FALSE CLAIMS OF AN ALLEGED PLAN TO REPLACE THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE
1. The Office of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State wishes to dismiss the false and misleading report being circulated on social media by some faceless platforms and fake news merchants alleging that His Excellency, Comrade Joel Salifu, will be removed from office and replaced by Chief Joseph Erico.
2. The story is completely false and should be ignored by members of the public. There is no plan anywhere to remove the Deputy Governor. The report is simply the handiwork of political mischief-makers whose aim is to create confusion and distract the government.
3. It is also important to state that Chief Joseph Ameh Erico is the duly elected and recognized APC candidate for the Kogi East Senatorial District in the recently concluded party primary election. His emergence as the party’s candidate is a settled matter, duly stamped and sealed by the party. Therefore, attempts to drag his name into baseless speculations about the office of the Deputy Governor only expose the desperation of those behind the fake news.
4. It is not surprising that such rumours are coming at a time when Kogi State is enjoying one of its most loyal Deputy Governors in recent years. Comrade Joel Salifu has remained steadfast, humble, and completely loyal to his principal, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. His loyalty and service earned him the 2025 Best Deputy Governor in Nigeria Award by Leadership Merit Award in Abuja.
5. The Deputy Governor has also continued to work quietly to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially in Kogi East, where he is helping to win more people to the party ahead of 2027 elections. It is therefore clear that those spreading these lies are uncomfortable with his growing popularity and contributions to the success of the APC.
6. The Deputy Governor will not be distracted by fake news and propaganda. He remains committed to supporting Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and helping the administration deliver on its promises to the people of Kogi State. His loyalty to his principal remains unquestionable, and he will continue to serve with humility and dedication.
7. Kogites should note that fake stories and political rumours often increase as elections draw closer. We therefore urge the public to disregard this false report and continue to support the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the APC as they work to move Kogi State forward.
Signed:
Unubi Emmanuel
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,
Kogi state
May 31, 2026