Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District has reacted to reports of his surprise visit to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Melaye in a statement entitled: “Stand Up For What You Believe In,” and issued in Abuja on Friday, July 31, defended his recent visit to the headquarters of the EFCC, The Nation reports.
It would be recalled that Melaye was sighted at the EFCC office during the interrogation of the wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki, who was recently quizzed by the anti-graft agency.
Senator Dino Melaye with Toyin Saraki in a recent visit at the EFCC office
Speaking on why he escorted Toyin Saraki to the EFCC’s office, Melaye said: “I was arrested 14 times in one year by the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan because I desire a country where my grandchildren (that I may never know) will dwell in and where life is already structured for them. I cannot throw away the sacrifice – when I was beaten and my clothes torn to shred on the floor of the House of Representatives because of my fight 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 assignations. 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 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.”
You’d recall that the PDP says it sent the petition that landed Toyin Saraki in trouble with the EFCC, while Bola Tinubu and the APC have nothing to do with that.
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