Bello vs Melaye: Why are politicians desperate?

BY EKELE SUNDAY

It may be difficult to understand the dynamics of the politics in Kogi state, but one thing that is sure and clear for all to see is that is all is not calm. The allegation that the senator representing Kogi west district, Dino Melaye, armed two suspects for robbery and kidnapping in the state is still fresh and charges have since been filed against him by the police in court.

The police have insisted that he face must charges in a high court in Kogi but Melaye has repeatedly said that the case should be tried in Abuja because the state is not safe. Whether or not he must face his charge in Kogi is entirely another subject matter.

In January 2016, Melaye told an assembly of over 30,000 people who gathered at the confluence stadium in Lokoja during inauguration of Yahaya Bello as governor of Kogi that while the people voted for late Prince Abubakar Audu, God Almighty elected Yahaya Bello. He further stated that whoever fights Bello should know he is fighting God Almighty and thousands of people chorused “Amen.”

One does not understand why the same Melaye has described Kogi as “Gaza” where there shall be no peace for the government and the people. What has changed? Apart from the senator, a member of the Kogi state house of assembly, Friday Abdul Sani, is said to be a foot soldier of the embattled senator. It is alleged that Sani has been accused for countless criminal acts in Kogi state since 2007.

The lawmaker and his “gang” popularly called ‘Ajana Mopol’ are known within the state’s terrain for allegedly wreaking havoc and causing mayhem. Sani who represents Igalamela/Odolu constituency was said to have mobilised four other members of the house to remove Momoh Jimoh Lawal as speaker in 2016.

He defended his action in all forums because he was said to be “eating from the table” of men at the Luguard House. Governor Yahaya Bello is said to have distanced himself from the lawmaker after precieving him as man who feeds “fat from crisis.”

There is also a pastor known as Fred Attah who prophesied that calamity will befall Kogi state, Bello and his chief of staff, Edward Onoja. A prophecy from a pastor who is accused of coordinating armed groups for politicians should not be taken likely by the government and the security operatives. One wonders why a clergy man would be too involved with politicians. While some have argued that the senator maybe desperate to take over power using “whatever means necessary”, others say he maybe concerned genuinely. These positions could be debated endlessly.

The number of attacks on locals in several parts of Kogi is alarming and may not be unconnected to the 2019 general elections. It is okay for politicians to want to gain power through convincing campaigns but it becomes worrisome when it begins to involve acts that endanger the lives of ordinary citizens of the state.

Therefore, there is need for security agencies to make efforts to investigate and prosecute any politician found culpable with the view of averting further bloodshed in the state. Political activities that have the potential of causing mayhem should not be downplayed.

Sunday, a public affairs analyst, sent this piece from Kogi.