Kogi Crisis: Group Chides Melaye over Comments on Gov

A non-governmental organisation, Kogi Professional Forum (KPF), has berated Senator Dino Melaye for alleging anti-part activities against the state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

At a press conference in Abuja at the weekend, the leader of the group, Ibrahim Ali, said it was wrong for the senator representing Kogi West senatorial district and those he described as disgruntled leaders of the party to accuse the governor of engaging in anti-party activities.

Ali urged Melaye, whom he said played prominent roles in the inauguration of Bello, to stop blackmailing the governor and face the function of making laws, which the people of his senatorial district elected him for.

“Dino should concentrate on his constituency; he should stop blackmailing the governor and face the business for which he was elected, join hands with other well-meaning people and give Kogi west the desired representation,” he said.

Ali accused Melaye of orchestrating the crisis in the state because of selfish interest, alleging that the lawmaker was only out to distract the governor from pursuing his vigorous agenda of developing the state.

The leader of the group also debunked the allegation that the governor appointed non-APC members as commissioners and his personal aides in the state, noting instead that, “The governor should be commended for his large-hearted policy of inclusive government rather than archaic policy of winner takes it all.”

Ali equally flayed the state chairman of the party, Alhaji Hadi Ametuo, and other leaders of the party for supporting the call to probe Bello over the appointments he has made since becoming governor on January 27.

He stated that, ”For the records, having single handedly nominated the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Melaye had no locus standi to accuse the governor of sidelining him in the scheme of things in the state.”

Ametuo a fortnight ago set up a probe committee headed by Melaye to investigate the governor of alleged anti party activities and misconduct.

Ali stated that given the various roles played by Melaye and Ametuo in the state, they cannot be judge in their own case.