Ex-Kogi ALGON Chair Tackles Melaye Over Alleged Attack On Abejide

A former Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kogi State, Dr Taufiq Isa, has described alleged attack by Senator Dino Melaye on the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives as most disappointing and unwarranted.

In a statement made available to Journalists in Lokoja on Tuesday, Isa maintained that disparaging a respected son of Okunland like Abejide was unwarranted and unnecessary.

“We consider such utterances not only unnecessary but also deeply disappointing and unbecoming of anyone who has enjoyed the privilege of public office,” Isa said.

Isa, who was the former Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, observed that Okunland is home to men and women of honour, culture, and discipline, who value respect, humility, and service.

According to Isa, the unprovoked verbal attack on Hon. Abejide, a man he said is representing with dignity and responsibility, is seen by many as an insult not just to his person, but to the collective dignity of the Okun people.

“Hon. Abejide is widely known among our people as a cultured, calm, and focused leader whose leadership is rooted in service rather than drama. Since his election, his interventions and empowerment efforts have been felt not only in Yagba land but across Okun communities.

“From support for students to youth and women empowerment initiatives, community engagements, and development-focused interventions, his impact continues to speak for itself in towns and villages across Okun kingdom.

“Our people can see, touch, and testify to these efforts. They are not stories told on social media or in heated arguments; they are real, visible, and appreciated. It is therefore not surprising that Hon. Abejide enjoys the love, respect, and goodwill of Okun sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora.”

He stated that on the other hand, “many Okun people remember Dino Melaye’s years in office more for controversies than for concrete, lasting development within Okun land.

“Leadership is judged not by volume of words or political drama, but by results and meaningful impact on the lives of the people. On this measure, the difference is clear to the ordinary man in Isanlu, Egbe, Odo-Ere, Mopa, Ijumu and Kabba, and every corner of our land.”

He added that gone were the days when Okun people were easily swayed by insults, propaganda, or political showmanship. “We are now guided by wisdom, evidence, and performance. We cannot be distracted by bitterness or desperate attempts to remain relevant through attacks on those who are genuinely serving.”

Isa encouraged Abejide to remain focused, steadfast, and committed to the mandate given to him by the people, assuring that he has the people’s support, confidence and prayers as he continues to deliver on his promise of quality representation and meaningful development for Okun land.