Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state has been admitted in a hospital in Germany for eye surgery despite claims by the state government that he is hale and healthy, The Punch reports.

According to the report, Bello was in Dubai en route to Germany for the operation as he is expected to correct an eye ailment that had been troubling him for some time.Governor Yahaya Bello has been admitted in German hospital for eye surgery despite claims by Kogi state government that he is hale & healthy.

However, it was gathered that Bello could not wait for a formal handing over to his deputy, Simon Achuba.

The governor also did not officially notify the state House of Assembly of his foreign trip, contrary to laid down regulations.

Although, the nature of the eye problem could not be ascertained as of Monday, November 7, a senior official in the state confirmed to The Punch on condition of anonymity that Bello travelled with some close aides and officials for the surgery.

The source said: "The governor is not missing as being speculated. The fact is that he has an eye problem and he decided to travel to Germany for medical treatment.

"He actually travelled with some close aides, including about two or three commissioners. He is expected back in the state within two weeks, after he might have recovered from the effects of the surgery on his eyes."

It was gathered that Abdulmumini Sadiq, Kogi state commissioner for Works, Land and Housing, who earlier travelled with Bello, returned to Lokoja, the state capital, a few days ago to run some errands for the governor.

According to another source, the activities in the state had been grounded to a halt following the absence of Bello and some key cabinet members.

It was gathered that some of the cabinet members, including commissioners and special advisers, spent more time in Abuja, than in Lokoja, where they have their offices."The commissioners and special advisers were just appointed to do nothing, because no money was allocated to their offices for the implementation of the budget. This is due to the fact that Kogi state is broke," the source stated.

Recall that Fanwo Kingsley, the spokesperson to Governor Yahaya Bello, had denied reports that his principal had died.

This followed rumours on Sunday, November 6, that Bello passed away in a foreign country.

Kingsley said in a statement that the governor was "hale and hearty".

He said: "I want to state clearly here for the avoidance of doubt that the rumour lacks any iota of truth. It is a reflection of the depth the enemies of Kogi state have gone in their desperate angst against fate

"To put the record straight, the Governor is hale and hearty, healthy and unwavering in his vigour to make Kogi State the Confluence of Excellence."

According to Kingsley, Governor Bello was only enjoying a two-week break and will return on November 12.

Source: http://nigerianewstoday.com.ng/revealed-governor-bello-in-german-hospital-for-eye-surgery/