Drama in Senate as Dino ‘defects’ to PDP

Drama in Senate as Dino ‘defects’ to PDP

OrderPaperToday – Senator Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi) today resumed sitting at the Senate chamber after recently securing bail from police custody.

The Kogi Senator on his return however threw the red chamber into a rowdy session as he announced that he was no longer comfortable sitting among APC senators following his traumatic experience in the hands of the Nigerian police.

“I want to make a special request,” Dino started.

He continued: “Because of the trauma I went through and I am still going through, I want you Mr. President to call on the sergeant-at-arms to find a comfortable seat for me on this (PDP) side of the divide. I am no longer comfortable seating here (APC wing).”

He went further to state that he will prefer to seat next to ex-Senate President and PDP chieftain, David Mark.

Dino who had earlier expressed appreciation to the PDP leadership then moved over to the minority PDP wing of the red chamber leading to rancour on the floor.

In a swift reaction, the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan insisted that Senator Dino should return to his seat as the APC seats are “better arranged and more comfortable”.

Lawan was then immediately countered by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who said the welfare of Dino is paramount and hence he should be allowed to seat where he likes, and feels comfortable.

The minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio further made an argument for Dino to remain among PDP senators and despite protests from the Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano) and Senator Kabir Marafa (APC, Zamfara), the Senate President, Bukola Saraki ruled that Melaye be allowed to seat in his preferred location.

According to Saraki, “In the spirit of giving support to our colleague, pending when we make his seat comfortable, we will  accommodate his request and ensure that we continue to do our best to make his seat comfortable so he can come back to his seat.”

It remains to be seen if Senator Dino Melaye will formally declare his defection to the PDP as he is required to notify the Senate President in writing of his intention to cross-carpet.