Senator Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) nominee, has pledged to put the All Progressives Congress in political graveyard.
At the inauguration of the PDP Local Government Election Campaign Committee of the 21 local government councils held at the party Secretariat on Thursday, he made this statement in Lokoja.
The former senator for Kogi West warned voters not to be intimidated before, during, or after the November governorship election after criticising the incumbent party for what he claimed to be bad administration, the failure to pay salaries, and security issues.
He emphasised how the current administration has been successful in dividing the populace along ethnic and religious lines, saying Kogi State has become a laughing stock among other States.
While praising the Local Government Chairmen for their perseverance in helping the party win, Melaye asserted that Kogi State will have a new appearance after being elected.
The PDP candidate declared, “This election is a walkover for PDP due to poor management, poverty, non-payment of salaries, gratuities, and promotions that are not cash-backed, among other reasons. The Kogi State population is unhappy because they are searching for a saviour who will deliver them from slavery.
“Dino Melaye and Habiba are requesting that you send us. I want to advise our local government chairmen, who have all turned into evangelists, and our imam to push our citizens to cast ballots. APC has instilled terror in the minds of the populace, which is why our people are terrified. I’m here to let you know that, as Dino Melaye, I have nothing to fear from the APC or Yahaya Bello.
“I assure us; let the Kogi State populace demonstrate that we are not cowards. We are not a conquered territory; we are Kogi State people. In addition to voting, we will campaign everywhere in the State, especially in Governor Bello’s hometown of Agasa.
“The PDP is a well-organized, well-planned party that uses its position of power for the benefit of the People. Any Kogites who are currently considering voting for the APC suffer from what I like to refer to as mental arthritis. No rational, sensible person will cast their ballot for the APC today in Kogi State.
Is it our roadways, perhaps? The Kogi State’s capital city, Lokoja, hasn’t seen a single drop of rain in the past 12 months. Is it the outdated hospitals that have been reduced to becoming just consulting clinics? Is it a matter of salary not being paid at all or only partially? Is it related to worries over lives and properties?
The House of Assembly members and Commissioners don’t have any vehicles for the first time in our state’s history. For the first time in our state’s history, a permanent Secretary will take the Okada to do so. Workers were laid off for unimportant reasons for the first time in our state’s history.
Kogi State University’s 120 professors were ceremoniously fired for the first time in our state’s history. They are qualified professors who attended first-generation American universities. They were removed from the system by the screening at Kogi State University. We intend to create a new Kogi State by the grace of God.
Prior to the November governorship election, Melaye urged voters to reject any ethnic agenda and reassured Kogites that, if elected, his administration would bring the community together.
Earlier in his remarks, Sen. Philip Aduda, the interim chairman of the PDP in Kogi State, declared that the opposition party would stop the state’s poor governance.
“We want activities to get underway right away so that the PDP can win Kogi State with ease. To deliver for Dino/Habiba in November, the party is completely on the ground. It is a mission to get your voting machines to their destinations safely and without incident.
Olajide John from Kabba/Bunu, who represented the 21 Local Government Chairman, told party members that every effort would be made to ensure the PDP’s win.
He insisted that the Chairmen will collaborate and support the newly elected Executive to accomplish what has to be done for the opposition party.
“It’s all about the party, our future, and freeing Kogi State from the control of a despot. Kogi State shall be liberated by God’s unique Grace. We need to trust and believe in one another in order to cooperate. This will help us get the victory we want, he said.
