Kogi State government has called on security agencies to hold Senator Dino Melaye accountable for any breach of peace over a ‘pro-Dino’ protest slated to hold in the state tomorrow (Saturday) over the recent alleged assassination attempt on the lawmaker in his country home.
The government said the call became necessary in view of the fact that such protests could be hijacked by hoodlums to orchestrate mayhem, political hostilities and chaos in the state.
The state’s Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), at a news conference in Lokoja on Friday has therefore urged Senator Melaye to prevail on his supporters from carrying out the proposed protests in the interest of peace.
“It has become imperative to address the nagging political hostilities from certain quarters which is fast snowballing into a serious challenge in our state.
“You are all aware of the allegation raised by Senator Dino Melaye representing Kogi West Senatorial District that there was an attempt on his life and how the whole incident was almost politicised.
“The state government welcomes the process of investigation by the Nigerian Police which is ongoing to unravel the mystery behind the allegation and ensure the security of all the citizens of the state.
“However, intelligence report at my disposal indicates plans by some supporters of Sen. Dino Melaye to stage a protest at Aiyetoro-Gbede in support of the senator on Saturday.
“I am equally aware that some hoodlums and thugs are being recruited within and outside the state to join in the protest.
“As much as we do not want the rights of the protesters inhibited, the implications of such a protest in the middle of investigations into the Senator’s allegations may be grave as some hoodlums may hijack the process to foment trouble and disturb public peace,” Omodara said.
According him, intelligent reports also showed that some other groups were also planning Anti-Dino protests on the same day, adding that he had briefed the state commissioner of police on the need to stop all forms of protests to avoid possible clashes.
“To this end, we put security agencies and Nigerians on the alert that if there is a protest on Saturday and the peace of the public is disturbed, Senator Dino Melaye should be held responsible and accountable”, he said.
Omodara urged politicians to avoid overheating the polity and give peace a chance for progress and development of the state.
