The Okun Development Initiative (ODI) has condemned, what it said is the appalling manner the Nigerian Police Force has handled the case involving Senator. Dino Melaye.
The lawmaker representing Kogi West in the Senate is currently being treated at the National Trauma Centre in the National Hospital Abuja.
Melaye surrendered himself to the police on Tuesday after hours of stand-off between him and policemen stationed outside his Maitama residence.
But he was rushed to a private hospital and later tranfered to the National Hospital, with allegations that he tried escaping from a moving vehicle taking him to Kogi State.
On Wednesday the Senate adjourned plenary and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki led other senators to visit Melaye.
According to Saraki, the embattled Sentor who is currently facing a recall is being treated by a team of specialists and is expected to fully recover.
Regardless, his kinsmen in the Okun Development Intiative have expressed worry over his saftey.
ODI in a statement issued by its General-Secretary, Mr. Olalekan Aiyenigba, demanded that, “everything must be done to ensure the safety of Senator. Dino Melaye while in custody of the police”.
Aiyenigba also said Melaye ought to be tried in Abuja, wondering why the police insisted on taking him to Kogi State.
The statement read in part:
“In the performance of its responsibilities, the police should conform with laid down rules.
“The assumption of innocence as guaranteed by the law must be sacrosanct in the conduct of the Police in the current case of Senator. Dino Melaye.
“The respect for the fundamental human rights of Senator. Dino Melaye as enshrined in and guaranteed by constitution must guide the police authorities in the course of their investigation.
“It is worrisome that the Police is bent on taking Senator. Dino Melaye to Lokoja for a case already in court that is fixed for 10th May, 2019 in the Federal High Court Abuja.
“That the Police must not treat with levity the issues raised by Senator. Dino Melaye through his lawyers which prompted the Acting Chief Judge of Federal High Court to transfer the case in question from Lokoja to Abuja; the alleged crime was said to have been committed on Airport Road, Abuja”.
Aiyenigba called for calm among Okun people.
“Okun Development Initiative implores Okun sons and daughters to remain peaceful and law-abiding while we pray for a speedy recovery for Sen. Dino Melaye on any health challenges his current travails might have caused”, he stated.
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