Date: 2015-03-01

A news report by the National Pilot newspaper and cross posted on Ilorin.info and some other outlets titled 'Belgore abandons Jonathan's project' dated 10/2/2015 reported that I, Mr Yinka Ajia, MNES, being a PDP member escorted the gubernatorial candidate of the labour party to a debate organized for all governorship candidates by the NLC at the NUT centre, Ilorin on Thursday, 5/2/2015.

The said publication also sought to draw one of the leading lights of the Kwara opposition PDP into the fray by insinuating that I was instructed by Mr. M.D Belgore (SAN) to give support to the labour candidate and by extension the labour party. Nothing could be further from the truth. Given this blatant falsehood, one could be forgiven to assume that the National Pilot is carrying out the wish of its paymaster.

Now, these are the facts:

1. It is true that I attended the NLC debate, but I did so like many other Kwara citizens interested in knowing what the men and women seeking to govern their state have to offer. As a matter of fact, I got there mid-way into the debate session and all the candidates except Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of the APC who was absent were already seated. If the National Pilot has any contrary facts, they should publish same.

2. I remain a card carrying and a financial member of the PDP and I have worked pro bono in the last one year with our elders helping in my own little way to reposition the party and give it a sound ideological footing.Invariably, I support all PDP candidates running for office in Kwara State.

3. Those who know me will attest to the fact that God has blessed me with an independent mind. I am also thankful that I can make my own decisions. Now, having said this, I consider it most uncharitable to drag the name of Muhammad Dele Belgore (SAN) into every little thing that happens with those who identify with his political philosophy of progressivism, respect for elders and social welfare for Kwarans. How does a public debate, one in which APC, PDP, Labour and other party members were in attendance and even non party members translate to a PDP party chieftain giving anyone an instruction to attend? Since when did I give up my rights as a free citizen simply because I believe M.D Belgore (SAN) is the face of change in Kwara?

Journalists and media houses should refrain from pedestrian insinuations and inaccurate reporting lest they be accused of blatant falsehood and bias in their reportage.

Mr. Yinka Ajia sent this from Ilorin, Kwara State.