"Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has commended The Guardian newspapers for apologising to its readers over the false picture of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Major General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd) interview published in the Sunday, February 22, 2015 edition of the newspaper.
Governor Fayose, in a statement issued by his Chief Press
Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said he was happy that Guardian newspapers
demonstrated that it was a media organisation to be reckoned with by
apologising and writing a detailed editorial on the false picture.
The APC had sent to the press, pictures of Buhari's being
interviewed in Transcop Hilton Hotel, Abuja by Kemi Fadojutimi of the
All Eyes on Africa TV" claiming that he was interviewed in London.
The pictures were used by many newspapers and online media, but only Guardian newspapers apologised for using the fake picture.
Fayose said; "I am impressed by the high level of
professionalism displayed by the Guardian newspapers and I commend the
publishers and Editorial team.
"Most importantly, I commend the Editor, Abraham Ogbodo for
his brilliant write up of yesterday, titled: 'The Lying Photo From Lai
Mohammed' and I expect the APC to be humble enough to also apologise to
Nigerians for its lies."
Speaking further, Governor Fayose, who maintained that
there was nothing wrong in Buhari seeking medical treatment abroad,
added that; "what is wrong is the lies and secrecy associated with
Buhari’s medical trip to the United Kingdom.
"It was this same way that health issue of late President
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua was covered up during electioneering campaign in
2007.
"Nigerians can still remember the 'Umoru, are you dead,'
drama and that is possibly the kind of drama playing out now. If not,
how could a personality like Buhari have passed through the Abuja
Airport without any of the Aviation Journalists interviewing him?
"Why lying that he granted interview in London, using
pictures of interview conducted in Abuja? And most importantly, why has
the party not deemed it fit to apologise for lying to Nigerians?"
