Lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye, has denied fleeing Nigeria over the political crisis in Kogi State and his trial by the Federal Government.
Melaye made the denial in a statement on Saturday night in reaction to a report that he has fled the country and allegedly threatened to implicate Senate President Bukola Saraki and more than 30 senators if not rescued by them.
The report added that Melaye vowed not to return until there is a new government at the federal level as well as a new one in his home state of Kogi.
Reacting to the report, the lawmaker said: “For the records, I did not flee Nigeria and have no reason to flee my country, leaving behind my family as the online paper wants Nigerians to believe. My attention was drawn to their lies this night, hence this public statement, lest the unsuspecting members of the public and my supporters believe the lies by Omoyele Sowore as directed by his new paymasters.
“The lies in the SaharaReporters’ so-called news report is nothing but to cause serious disharmony in the senate and among united majority senators, who are resolute in defending democracy and its institutions no matter whose ox is gored.”
Melaye also said he had yet to receive any court summon either in person or by proxy in his house or office for him to appear on March 28 as being insinuated by the police on the latest allegation against him.
He added, “It has become expedient for me to issue this statement to the public and to let you know that I have taken the matter up with the international community in order to report this undue intimidation and harassment.
“Let me reiterate here for the umpteenth time that no amount of intimidation, blackmail, arrests or threats will stop me from championing the cause of the masses.”
The senator had confirmed in a letter on Friday that he was abroad. He did not state his engagement outside the country or when he plans to return.
