Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Sen. Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West senatorial district in the National Assembly, has pleaded with members of his constituency to give him another chance again saying if voted, he will do more to uplift the welfare of his constituents.
According to the senator, in his over three years at the upper chamber, he has been at the forefront of fighting for the common good of all and aligned himself to the common man to be the voice of the voiceless even at the detriment of his life.
Melaye, in a statement entitled, ‘The Gospel according to Senator Dino Melaye 2019: Arise oh Compatriots,’ enjoined the electorate not to allow external influences dictate the way they would vote in the February,2019, senatorial election in the state, saying he stands shoulder high than any other candidate from any party.
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The statement reads in part, “My people, I salute your courage and perseverance in the face of harsh economic condition and unmitigated misrule never witnessed in the history of any administration since the creation of Kogi State.
“Kogites never bargained for these social calamities visited on them by an inept, visionless and oppressive regime that only thrives on the use of violence for its survival.
“Fellow Kogites, the above scenario, especially the non-payment of salaries and arrears of workers and pensioners, informed my decision to put my life on line for the liberation of my people.
“I believe that the art of governance is a serious business reserved only, for the level-headed and well-focused individuals who can philosophically call to the deep, and who can comprehend the essences of power and its application for the benefit of mankind.
“It should not be an all comer affair to avoid inflicting permanent social injury on the citizens by power drunk despots as we are witnessing today.
“Fellow Kogites, we have come a long way, and I can assure you, that several failed attempts to silence me as the voice of the voiceless, including several assassination attempts on my life, I have resolved more than ever before, to rededicate my political career to the defense of the defenseless no matter the threats.
“When given a fresh mandate to represent you in the Red Chamber, my advocacy for good governance will be digitalised to bring dividends of democracy to our people.
“I will never betray your confidence and no amount of intimidation can stop me from fighting the cause of my people.
“I will join hands with the new Government to reduce poverty and unemployment, and also bring down price of goods and services.
“I believe, any Government no matter its pretence or its sloganeering strategies, that is incapable of improving on the living standard of the people is a failure.
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“I have never been a senator in exile. I am a home grown senator from Kogi West. Your support and solidarity with me during my moment of trial will be adequately compensated.
“The coming Senatorial Election in 2019 is a test case for our familiar unity, integrity and our common heritage.
“Our past heroes never surrendered or mortgaged their sovereign rights to choose their leaders to despots for the sake of butter and bread.
“We must for this reason rise to consolidate our inherited courage, liberty, and freedom by supporting me as your worthy son in the 2019 Senatorial Election to improve on my modest achievements in the service of our people,” he added.