The Kogi governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, fell and injured his leg while attempting to alight from his car at the popular old market area of Lokoja, the state capital.
Confirming the incident, the state government, however, denied that Bello was incapacitated, saying he only had a bandage on the injured leg.
The state and social media had been awash with news of the governor falling off his vehicle at the popular old market area of Lokoja, the state capital.
Sources said the governor miscalculated as his convoy slowed down to enable him to spray money on people that were by the roadside.
Bello had in the last few months used to the habit of throwing naira notes at the people whenever his convoy passes through the town, following which the masses would scamper to pick as much as they can.
However, it was gathered that while returning from Abuja last Friday, the governor, who was being driven in a BMW saloon car tried to stand up, as usual, to spray naira on the people around the market area but missed his step and fell off.
He was said to have been dragged by the vehicle for some metres before the driver could realise what was happening and halted the car.
The governor, who was said to have broken his legs and arms, was however rescued by the security operatives and others in the convoy.
It was learned that the governor, who was returning from Abuja after the caucus and the National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) wanted to attend the funeral of the late deputy majority leader of the house of representatives, Hon Buba Jubril.
But the development prevented him from attending as he was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital and was represented at the funeral by his deputy, Simon Achuba.
Confirming the incident, the director general, media and publicity to the governor, Kingsley Fanwo, said the governor injured his leg as he “missed his footing.”
A statement by the media aide said Bello injured his left foot while alighting from a vehicle, denying the allegation that the governor had been flown abroad for medical attention.
The statement read, “We wish to refute rumours that the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello is either hospitalised or otherwise incapacitated.
“The Governor missed his footing last Friday, March 30, 2018, while alighting from a vehicle and injured his left foot. He was treated by his doctors, who bandaged the leg and discharged him.
“We thank all the Governor’s supporters and well-wishers who reached us to inquire after his wellbeing. His Excellency is doing very well and will be at work as usual after the Easter holidays.
