Editors’ note: The writer, Buchi Obichie, notes that with the recent jailbreak in Kogi state and escape of six criminals, including two linked to Dino Melaye, the senator may have once again ‘outfoxed’ his opponents and gained the upper hand in his ongoing political and legal battle.
Did you ever see the hit Fox series, Prison Break? I didn’t. Not even one episode. I’m not a fan of seasonal flicks; I’m too inpatient. Anyway, I got feedback from my brother, who made it seem like I was basically missing out on a very important aspect of life by choosing not to watch it – same way he made me feel about Game of Thrones, afterwards.
Well, be that as it may, I reckon that I haven’t missed out on much…not when I had a real life reenactment play out before my very eyes in Kogi state – via the media of course!
PAY ATTENTION: Dapchi and Liya Sharibu: Are you brave enough to defend your beliefs? By Buchi Obichie (Opinion)
On Wednesday, March 28, at about 3:21am, something truly phenomenal occurred in Kogi. Six suspects broke out of the A Police Station in Lokoja, the state capital. Now, this event wouldn’t have raised too many eyebrows, except for the fact that two of the escapees – Kabiru Saidu and Nuhu Salisu – had been locked up for allegedly receiving fire arms from Senator Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu, to carry out criminal activities.
Another funny thing is that the day the jailbreak occurred, was the same day both men – along with Melaye and Audu – were scheduled to appear in court, to answer to the charges.
So, how do we explain what really took place in Kogi? Let’s go back to the beginning, shall we?
It is no secret that Dino Melaye has been engaged in a long-running battle with the governor of his state, Yahaya Bello. Both men have thrown jabs at each other and hurled accusations ranging from the mundane to the serious and then downright ridiculous.
However, it seems the most serious phase of the fracas began when the senator accused the governor of being behind an assassination attempt on his life in April 2017; an allegation which was denied by Bello.
The police also countered the accusation; and accused the senator of making a ‘false claim’. He was even dragged to court over the incident…shortly before the two escapees were ‘suddenly discovered'.
After the discovery, the Police Force summoned the Kogi senator to appear in court; and threatened to declare him wanted if he did not show up.
But when Saidu and Salihu were arrested, Dino suddenly went into hiding…seemingly. In fact, a prominent media house even reported that the controversial senator had fled the country!
Anyway, from his ‘hideout’, Dino took to social media to insinuate that the summon was a ploy to assassinate him in Kogi. Again, Bello was roped in.
But Dino went further than that. He also threatened his fellow lawmakers at the upper legislative chamber that if they didn’t support him and get the Police to back off, he would spill the beans about a 'shady telecommunications deal' and bring down at least 30 senators. In other words, he wasn’t going down alone!
It was not long after this, that the ‘jailbreak’ took place!
Now, someone alleged on Twitter, that Melaye paid more money to the policemen – higher than Bello - and that was why they ‘allowed’ the suspects escape. Do I agree? I will keep my opinion on that to myself.
In any case, when I saw pictures of the senator in the red chamber, giving the Police a 48-hour ultimatum to produce the suspects or he would sue for criminal trumped-up allegations, undue harassment and intimidation, I couldn’t help but smile. I silently said to myself: “Here is a man who knows that he has gotten the upper hand…for now.”
Where is your proof, if your star witnesses are nowhere to be found? Who will find a suspect guilty if his accusers have ‘lost’ their evidence?
Like the Cockroach with nine lives, Oga Dino has lived to fight another day. He has outwitted his enemies and shown that he is a formidable opponent in this battle of his life. The man will not be taken down…at least not yet.
Does that mean that Melaye had something to do with the jailbreak? Honestly, I’m not sure. In fact, I don’t know. I mean, it could have been anyone else…maybe even individuals among the 30 senators who probably decided to protect their ‘behinds’ and ‘help’ their colleague? Who knows? *side eyes*
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
In any case, Dino Melaye has once again earned his status as one of the most controversial lawmakers in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The ‘god’ that he serves is a mighty one indeed…a ‘god’ of magic and theatrics, whose antics would certainly put the great Houdini to shame!
You see them…you see them not!
So where does this case go from here? Only time would tell. In the mean time however, you can expect more tough-talking, mud-slinging, music-making and great dancing from the senator from Kogi. His god has done it again. This Dino Melaye is truly a ‘wonderful somebody’!
This opinion piece was written by Buchi Obichie.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of NAIJ.com.
Kogi West senatorial district to recall Senator Dino Melaye - on NAIJ.com TV:
Source: Naija.ng
from Nigeria News today & Breaking news ▷ Read Naija news 24/7 https://ift.tt/2pSZ18B
via IFTTT
No comments:
Post a Comment