Buhari's alleged fake Picture: Fayose hails Guardian newspapers over apology

Press statement from Ekiti government.

"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?"