The embattled representative of Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye, appears to have resorted to fighting dirty in his face-off with the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Last week, Melaye released 2011 documents relating to the invitation of Bello’s Chief of Staff, Edward Onoja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over a transaction involving him when he was with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
Onoja, according to the documents, was in charge of the GTB branch in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State at the time.
According to the document, the Council in Olamaboro Local Government had approached GTB for a facility, which the Bank liaised with Intercontinental Bank Plc, which is now defunct, to facilitate.
Manager’s Cheque of Intercontinental Bank were issued for the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order.
One of the cheques issued to GTB by Intercontinental Bank Plc was for N10.5 million.
Another was for N53.4 million.
There was another one for N5.930 million.
The last was ordered paid into the account of Olamaboro Local Government Area with Intercontinental Bank Plc by the GTB branch overseen by Onoja.
In inviting Onoja, the EFCC ordered him to appear at its office in Abuja to offer explanation on the application of the ISPOs.
He was invited to appear on February 22, 2011 alongside the Account Officer and Compliance Officer of the branch of the Bank in Olamaboro Local Government Area.
Onoja and others invited were told to bring with them the details and statement of the local government project account; the details of the ISPO instruction issued in favour of Intercontinental Bank Plc by GTB; and the details of the Intercontinental Bank Plc Manager’s Cheques.
The letter of invitation to Onoja and others was signed by Francis Idu on behalf of the EFCC chairman.
Though Onoja could not be reached for his comment, a source close to him said the issue had been resolved long ago.
He said it was just a channel Melaye believes will unsettle Bello.
Commenting, Melaye said the issue will be raised in the Senate.
He said the Senate was set to probe the involvement of Onoja in the deal.