Fellow Kogites,
About an hour ago, I received information that the re-election of my dear brother and ranking congressman, distinguished Senator Dino Melaye of Kogi West Senatorial Zone was set aside by the elections petitions tribunal.
I find this development disturbing because like millions of other Nigerians beyond Kogi West and our state, I am aware that the win Sen. Dino Melaye scored during the 2019 general elections was crystal clear, straight and without any form of ambiguity as attested to by voters, the media, civil society, pressure groups, members of the opposition and international observer groups.
Whereas it is the prerogative of the panelist to dispense justice are they deem appropriate, where justice is dispensed against laid down norms to defy social justice and legal logic, it creates an episode which justifies suggestions that a section of the judiciary may be acting under non-judicial influences.
I affirm that whereas distinguished Senator Dino Melaye represents the good people of Kogi West, he has at different times championed the interest of Nigerians from all tribes, religious creeds and even political divides as a result of which he has remained the voice of the voiceless and strength of the weak in our peculiar setting that is skewed against the downtrodden.
To this end, I declare my unflinching support to Senator Dino Melaye as he starts the legal process to appeal the decision of the tribunal.
I hereby direct all my coordinators in Kogi West Zone to make themselves available as reliable and consistent witnesses when and where they are required to testify in favour of Senator Dino Melaye.
I equally direct my media situation room to liaise with my legal team to review the proceedings of the tribunal, identify the inadequacies of the process and ensure they draw the attention of our media partners in the print, digital and electronic segments to them.
I personally assure Senator Dino Melaye of my solidarity and reaffirm my commitment to his success.
God Bless Kogi State.
– Mohammed Adah Shaibu Tettes
PDP Governorship Aspirant,
Kogi State.
