TheCable

Dino Melaye, former senator representing Kogi West, has spoken again on his fallout with Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state.

The PDP chieftains have been at loggerheads over the past few weeks.

The spat between the former allies began on April 11 when Wike said Melaye does not have what it takes to be governor.

Reacting to the comment, Melaye said the Rivers governor’s stance against his candidacy was because he refused to support his presidential ambition.

Speaking further on the rift in a chat with Arise TV on Wednesday, Melaye said he never “spoke derogatorily” about Wike during the presidential election campaign.

He acknowledged that Wike assisted him in the past but noted that it “does not mean you will ask me to donate my liver and kidney”.

Melaye said the Rivers governor’s support for him is an investment in the party.

“Because you supported me in 2015 does not mean you will ask me to donate my liver and kidney. I will not do that. Wike, himself, has always been supported by PDP. Anything he’s doing to members of the PDP is like giving back to the party,” he said.

“But you do not help people with the intention of enslaving them. Or control them and run their lives. God can assist you through anybody. But because I refuse to support his presidential ambition, I became an unqualified candidate.”

‘GOD BANKROLLED MY ELECTION’

Melaye said he “gave anointing oil” to delegates during the Kogi PDP governorship primary election.

The former senator secured 313 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Idoko Ilonah, who polled 124 votes.

In an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Melaye said God “bankrolled” the election.

Some aspirants who contested the PDP primary election have rejected the outcome, alleging that the delegates’ list was manipulated.

During the interview, Melaye was asked to react to allegations that money was shared to delegates — but the PDP chieftain said he has no knowledge of money-sharing.

Melaye added that there is a problem if he cannot singlehandedly finance a primary election.

“God bankrolled me. I banked with the Almighty God,” he said.

“I gave them(delegates) anointing oil and it did the magic. I believe in Philippians 4:19 — God shall supply all my needs, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

The former senator said the people of Kogi state are “living in a perilous times” and that his administration would resolve the challenges.

“We are living in opprobrium,” he added.