Bello Haliru Mohammed’s Alive and Healthy, Aide Clarifies

Clement Danhutor

Former Minister of Defence and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, is alive, strong and healthy, contrary to speculation that he had passed on.
The clarification was contained in a release issued by Mohammed’s Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Emeka Nwankpa, on Saturday.

“Our attention has been drawn to news making the round that former Minister of Defence and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party has passed on. This is to officially debunk and condemn the rumour in strong terms. The accomplished Elder Statesman is alive, hale and hearty.

“He is presently in Birnin-Kebbi, his home state of Kebbi in the company of his family. I have just spoken to him on phone (at 6.18 pm) Saturday, April 30, 2016. He is as fit as a fiddle. He equally expressed shock but laughed it off in the belief that he owes his longevity to his Maker, the Almighty Allah.”

Nwankpa described the rumour as wicked, vicious and malicious, and as part of the unfortunate price to pay for public service.

“At 70, this seasoned administrator, Statesman, veteran politician and Dan Galadima Gwandu who has served his fatherland meritoriously for over three decades in several enviable capacities in the private and public sectors is definitely not in a hurry to leave now as generations of Nigerians yet unborn still desire to drink from his distilled wisdom.

“To all his associates, friends, loyalists and followers who have been calling to confirm by phone, texts, email and other communication platforms, we use this medium to express gratitude for the show of love and solidarity”, the release added.