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Kola Popson
Following the hullabaloo instigated by his decision to accompany Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of the Nigerian Senate President, to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Senator Dino Melaye, has made a public statement, explaining and defending his action.
It would be recalled that Mrs. Saraki was summoned by the EFCC on the premise that she allegedly got involved in a financial fraud during the administration of his husband, Senate President Bukola Saraki, as the Executive Governor of Kwara State.
EFCC claims that Mrs. Saraki, during the period, diverted Kwara State funds into accounts she controlled through her Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), hence the need for her invitation to EFCC office for questioning.
In what many consider as showing loyalty to Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Melaye and other senators had decided to accompany Mrs. Saraki to EFCC office – a situation which prompted some Nigerians to lash out at Senator Melaye on social media.
In his reaction, Sen. Melaye noted that he took the right decision in support of a “friend and sister”, and that he also visited the EFCC as a private investigator to understand the “extent of culpability” of Mrs. Saraki.
In the statement entitled “Stand up for what you believe in regardless of the popularity or acceptance of your belief”, Mr. Melaye said he has made sacrifices to the extent of escaping assassinations and that he would not compromise on corruption.
“I was arrested 14 times in one year by the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan because I desired a country where my grandchildren (that I may never know) will dwell in a nation where life is already structured for them. I cannot throw away my sacrifice of being beaten and my clothes torn on the floor of the House of Representatives because of fighting against corruption. I have come too far to compromise my stand on corruption and corrupt persons.
“I make bold here to challenge anybody who will controvert the truth that I have never done any government contract, either at the Local Government, State or Federal levels. It is not criminal to do so, but he who must come to equity must come with clean hands. I have made sacrifices to the extent of escaping assassinations. Will my fellow citizens forget all these too quickly on the altar of loyalty to friends, family and loved ones? My loyalty to friends is not only when the going is good. I will be there even when the roads are rough.
“The invitation of Mrs. Toyin Saraki by the EFCC, however, is not a criminal indictment. I will not abandon my friend because of mere EFCC invitation. I also went there as a private investigator and an anti-corruption crusader to find out the extent of culpability of my sister and friend since she was not told the content of the petition against her before her appearance before the EFCC.
“My definition for friendship is he or she who walks in when others are working out. If my father is invited by the EFCC, I will go there; if a prima face case is established against him, I will shout for his prosecution. So my great people, I have no regret following my friend and sister to the EFCC. If you are my friend, you are my friend. I cannot control what my friends will do, but they remain my friends. I am not fighting corruption out of passion only, but because it is the Godly thing to do.
“Finally, Winston Churchill said, “I may not believe in what you have to say, but I will defend to death, your right to say it.” No change of values, in the next few months ahead, Nigerians will those who want President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed. I promise to be with the people at all times, within the constitutional milieu. I thank you for taking your time. Be a change agent! God bless you and bless Nigeria.”
