Senate Condemns Kogi Governor, Police Over Attack On Senator Ogembe In Okene

The Senate has condemned the action of Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and the Kogi State Police Command for allegedly allowing the disruption of an empowerment programme organized by the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Ahmed Ogembe.

The Upper Chamber has therefore constituted an Ad-hoc committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the disruption and violence during the empowerment programme and determine the involvement of the Nigerian Police Force.

The ad hoc committee has two weeks to report back to the Senate.

At today’s, Wednesday plenary, the Senators took turns to criticize Yahaya Bello and the Nigeria Police Force, accusing them of been threats to the country’s democracy.

The reactions of the Senators followed Order 43 cited by Senator Ogembe, who told the Senate that the empowerment programme he sponsored was disrupted and in the process violence broke out in Kogi Central.

Ogembe said: “the police command refused to act, my supporters were seriously injured. However, the political intimidation and violence is on the increase. As at now I cannot go home because I am not sure of my safety.”

Responding to the development, the Deputy Senate President said: “we cannot continue like this and call it democracy if Senators cannot freely go back to their homes. This is wrong, and let us have a lasting solution for democracy to stay.”

Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, maintained that the fall out of the
action “must be food for thought for all of us. I am worried for Kogi State, Nigeria and the year 2019. Necessary actions and resolutions must be made on this issue. We should use Kogi State as an example to work together with the FG to bring lasting solutions.”

The Senator, representing  Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye, who expressed bitterness at the development,  argued that the Governor of Kogi State “cannot shut me up because he must pay the salaries of workers and cater for the welfare of the people of the state.”

Melaye however appealed to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to look into the fisticuff, saying: “Mr. President, please help us on the issue of Kogi State.”

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who represents Abia South, in his contribution, stressed that “The situation between the Governor and the Senators from Kogi State is becoming worrisome, we need to act and make sure the IG is questioned for such an act from the Area Commander.” [myad]