Dino Melaye’s recall: Kogi APC reacts to result of outcome

Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, has reacted to the outcome of the recall process against Senator Dino Melaye of Kogi West Senatorial District.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission had on Sunday declared that Melaye remains a senator after the signatures verification process to the petition for his recall fell short of requirements.

In a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday, Ametuo expressed delight that the efforts had come to a premature end through the collective will of the people of Kogi West Senatorial District.

He said that the result is very clear that Melaye is the most popular senator ever produced by Kogi West.

According to him, this is a sign of what to expect in the 2019 general elections.

“Melaye, the only senator our party has in Kogi State, won with 94.66 per cent leaving the remaining 5.34 per cent to the petitioners.

“The messages are very clear; that Sen. Melaye is the most popular senator ever produced by Kogi West.

“No amount of financial inducement and coercion will change the will of the people of Kogi State in future elections,’’ the statement read.

Ametuo, however, commended the high level of neutrality and transparency displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders throughout the exercise.

“It gives us high optimism that future elections will be very free and fair. INEC therefore deserves commendations for the job well done,” he said.

The chairman called on the petitioners and Melaye as well as his followers to embrace peace and heed the voice of God, “because the voice of the people is the voice of God.’’

“I call on all members of our party to conduct themselves in a manner that will boost the image of our great party and not things that will further cause disrepute in our party,” he said.

Meanwhile, INEC said it cannot be held responsible for the poor turnout of petitioners in Saturday’s verification of signatures for the recall of Melaye.