Senate digs into Melaye’s trial, as Saraki insists FG can't intimidate senators

By Gideon Ayodele

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki has again maintained that lawmakers will not be intimated.

Saraki stated this yesterday on the floor of the Senate, while reacting to a point of order raised by Senator Dino Melaye, on his trial by the Federal Government, said the Red Chamber will continue to defend democracy.

The Senate President also took a swipe at unnamed officials of the Federal Government.

He said their action is damaging the government, rather than helping it. He said their actions are not in the interest of the country’s democracy.

Saraki said: “Senator Dino Melaye, your points are well noted and I do not see how the issue of arraignment can be a way forward in a matter like this. But be that as it may, I want us all to continue to defend democracy and fight for what is right and I can assure you that this institution will continue to stand for what is right.

“Those who think that they are helping the government, but sometimes they are doing things that are not in the interest of this democracy. I think they need to do what is right for the interest of all of us. But for sure, what is wrong is wrong. I think those who are looking at this will have a review and do what is right.”

Melaye, had in his earlier motion, vowed to always criticise President Buhari and the Federal Government. He said his trial will not stop him from speaking truth to power.

He said: “If this arrangement in Kogi state is to stop me from criticising the federal government, they have committed a capital compound mistake. I shall continue to speak. I shall continue to ask questions. I shall continue to criticise any public officer, including the president of Nigeria where he has gone wrong.

“I have conquered fear and I am not afraid of the prison. The last administration arrested me 14 times. The Abacha and Babangida’s governments detained me. I am not afraid of the prison. It is built because of human beings. But we will continue to speak the truth, not minding whose ox is gored.

“In an unjust society silence is a crime. The battle to bring Nigeria back on track from these criminals in power is a battle of no retreat no surrender. I am ready to face the Federal Government on this matter. I will fight it with the last drop of my blood. No retreat, no surrender" Melaye submitted.