Melaye, who represents Kogi-West Senatorial District at the Senate, was said to have been driven in a police ambulance from Abuja to Lokoja on Thursday.
The embattled senator was stretchered into the Magistrates’ Court in Lokoja, where he was arraigned on gun-running allegations by the Police.
The senator was later remanded in custody till June 11.
But the House said in Abuja that the sight of Melaye on a stretcher was reminiscent of that of a sick man who should have received medical attention before his arraignment.
The House’s reaction came after a member from Kogi State, Mr. Karimi Sunday, raised a point of personal explanation on the floor to bring the “plight” of Melaye to the attention of members.
Sunday had alleged that Melaye was being persecuted by the Kogi State Government because of his strong views on certain issues affecting the state.
He stated, “Melaye is facing persecution from the state government because of his beliefs.
“We must do all that is within our constitutional powers to ensure that the rule of law prevails.
“What is happening to Melaye today can happen to any of us tomorrow, if we keep quiet.”
The Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, while ruling on the matter, said the House was satisfied with the steps taken so far by the Senate and was solidly behind the upper chamber.
“All I can say at this point is that nothing must happen to Senator Melaye.
“If any law has been breached, the Police must ensure that his life is secured first.
“If anything happens to him, the security agencies will be held accountable.
“I have not seen in any country where someone is arraigned on a stretcher to take pleas. How do you even take his pleas?
“He must be alive first to answer to your charges because his life comes before the prosecution,” Dogara added.
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Abeggy
ReplyDeleteAre you guys saying that Dino is special and different from any other Nigerian arrested or under investigation?. I am begining to think that senator and Reps are above the law............
If the Nigeria police deems it fit to invite or arrest him, i take it they are just performing their duty
Why would he not submit himself for questioning?
Were the case be reversed for a common man, would they ever intervene?
I think they should concentrate on their law making, if ever there is one, because they are only known for attacking the presidency and the executives, as looting the Nations wealth as well
I really don't understand the above the law stand of these so called senators and Reps. They keep flexing muscles and show of power like they are different from common Nigerians
Police harass people everyday, they don't interfere, now because it is Dino, someone presumably elected by people, he has suddenly become a God
I think Nigerians should start evaluating if this bi-plural system of government is delivering the dividends, repressive or reterogressive