Kogi
West Senator in the National Assembly, Otunba Dino Melaye, has defended
his recent visit to the Headquarters of the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC), when wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Toyin
Saraki, honoured the invitation by the anti-graft agency.
The
chairman, Senate Adhoc Committee on Media and Publicity also challenged
anybody who will controvert the truth that he has never done any
government contract, either at the Local Government, State or Federal
levels, to come foreward with evidence.
Melaye in a statement
entitled: "Stand up for what you believe in regardless of the popularity
or acceptance of your belief", and issued on Friday in Abuja, said he
has I made sacrifices to the extent of escaping assignations.
He said, "I chose to react to the attacks I have received Sent from my iPad
"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 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 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 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."
Sign...
Otunba (Senator) Dino Melaye
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