Connect with us

politics

Nothing must happen to Melaye, Dogara warns security agencies

Published

on

Melaye

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has warned the heads of security agencies involved in the case of Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi), saying that nothing untowards must happen to the lawmaker.

He said if anything happened to the senator, heads of security agencies involved would be held responsible.

The Speaker, who was short of naming the security agency he was referring to on Thursrday at plenary said the health of persons should supercede their arraignment in court.

He said: “All I can say is that nothing can happen to the senator. If anyone in this country commits an offence, the law is there for the person to be prosecuted or arraigned in court within the ambit of the law.

“I don’t think the law supports a situation whereby someone is in a dire health situation and is being arraigned most especially that that person is a senator.

“It is unthinkable that a distinguished senator or an honorable member of this house would run away from trial.

“So, my admonition to the security agencies is to do everything possible to ensure that his life is secured first before prosecution.

“Prosecution cannot come at the expense of death and that is very important because if anything happened to him, the responsibility will lie on the security agencies.

“That is without mincing of words; because I have not seen a country where someone will be arraigned in a stretcher; where he is not even in the right frame of mind to even take a plea.

“What use is it if you’re taken someone to court and he cannot plead guilty or not guilty. So, the emphasis should be on his health first”.

Dogara’s warning followed a point of order by Sunday Karimi ( PDP, Kogi), who said Melaye was being transported in an ambulance to Lokoja to face trail despite the state of his health.

Karimi said Melaye’s predicament was as a result of his resolve to fight for his belief.

“I visited him in the hospital and counted up to 38 policemen. On Saturday, INEC went to conduct his recall.

“Only yesterday, he was arraigned in court in Abuja. Today, Dino was carried in an ambulance to Lokoja.

“What is happening to Dino can happen to anyone, what he is facing is persecution for his belief and there’s a need for us to act so that rule of law doesn’t  suffer”.

However when attempts were made to throw the point of order into a debate, the Speaker declined saying due process was not followed.

The Speaker said he will not allow the order to be debated because the same issue was being handled by the Senate.

Besides, he was not previously conducted for it to be listed as a motion where it can be debated on the floor  as required by the rule book.

“Karimi is talking about rule of law and due process, and we have our own rules in this house. So, we will abide by that.

“The issue is handled by the Senate, so we cannot commit it to debate.

“I don’t think there’s anything worth to comment on here, I think it is a matter of personal explanation and I’ve not been consulted,” he added.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

politics

Breaking : GOV. UMO ENO OFFICIALLY MOVES TO APC

Published

on


WE Are not joining the APC from the position of weakness, But Strength , Says Eno

our government has always been an inclusive government, that will never change – Eno

Continue Reading

politics

2027 Election : AIRLIN Expands To Jigawa, Targets 7m Voters In The Next Election, Says Lami Tanko

Published

on

As part of its mission to rekindle hope in Nigeria’s democratic process and combat voter apathy, the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative in Nigeria (AIRLIN) has inaugurated its 16th office in Jigawa State, continuing its expansion across the 19 northern states of Nigeria.

The national chairman of AIRLIN, Mallam Muhammed Gamawa, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on May 24, 2025, also unveiled the local government, zonal, and state coordinators for Jigawa.

“With this new office, AIRLIN is aiming to mobilize and educate 7 million voters across northern Nigeria ahead of the next general elections,” he said.

AIRLIN, a non-governmental organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and civic responsibility, is directing its efforts toward communities where voter disengagement is prevalent.

“The goal is to empower citizens especially at the grassroots level with civic education and renewed confidence in democratic governance,” Mallam Gamawa added.

Speaking during an interview, the newly appointed Jigawa State Coordinator, Mallam Musa Muhammad Hadeija, said the inauguration is both empowering and enlightening.

“This inauguration means a lot,” he said. “It has empowered me to establish a strong outreach in the communities sensitizing them, mobilizing them, and effectively putting in place the key objectives of the Advocacy for Integrity and Rule of Law Initiative.”

He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and local assessment. “I’m now able to meet with my local government coordinators, and we’ve clearly seen the nitty-gritty of what needs to be done. The interaction during the Q&A session was very beneficial—I’ve learned a lot, and that will give me a better chance to serve.”

When asked how ordinary Nigerians can help uphold the rule of law, particularly those in remote communities, Mallam Hadeija said:

“That is possible through empowerment, skills development, civic education, and consistent sensitization. People need to understand their roles as citizens, and we must build strong partnerships with stakeholders at local, state, and national levels. That’s how we’ll create a solid foundation for real impact.”

Addressing the public’s disillusionment with democracy, especially when elected leaders fail to deliver, he called on citizens to remain committed and united.

“Citizens need to understand that their individual involvement in AIRLIN’s assignment is key. Changing the narrative is possible. We can make AIRLIN a game changer if we are all dedicated, united, and fully aware of the task ahead executing it with purpose and at the right time.”

With Jigawa joining the growing list of AIRLIN offices, the organization is strengthening its national presence and doubling down on its mission to foster democratic integrity and active citizen participation.

Continue Reading

politics

Defect or resign, Gov Eno, Tells Appointees And openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC

Published

on

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.

The directive was reportedly issued during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where the Governor openly confirmed his decision to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.

Sources present at the meeting disclosed that Governor Eno made it clear that his defection should come as no surprise to any of his appointees, stating:

“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century.”

He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the federal government.

The Governor issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.

“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.

“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”

As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 Newsthumb Magazine | All rights reserved