TheCable

Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi, says the state has no business with poverty given its richness in natural resources.

In a statement released on Sunday by his media team, Melaye spoke during a visit to traditional rulers and council of chiefs of Mopa-Amuro, Yagba-East and Yagba-West LGAs.

Melaye assured the traditional rulers that their “rights and powers in the state will be restored” if he is elected into office as governor.

The PDP candidate said the economy of the state is “in a quagmire” because workers and pensioners are “earning ridiculous salaries”.

Melaye promised to put an end to “percentage salary payments”, which he claimed has ravaged the lives of the workers and the economy of the state in the last eight years.

“Kogi, our state, has no business with poverty given the numerous resources we have. As governor, we shall open up the state and generate revenues that will enable us as a people to feed ourselves and meet other existential needs,” Melaye was quoted as saying.

“Our royal fathers, your highnesses and majesties will no longer be by mouth alone. We will create the environment that will enable you to participate more robustly in the affairs of the state in befitting offices.”

Melaye also promised to rescue Kogi residents from hunger and starvation, saying he would think outside of the box to harness resources needed to develop the state.