Presidential aide Garba Shehu presents 2019 Man of the Year award to Melaye

- Though recently defeated in a senatorial rerun, Dino Melaye, a former member of the Senate, has been honoured with 'Man of the Year' award

- The award was presented by Garba Shehu, an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari

- Garba told the audience that he had come a long way with Melaye and that they had carried out projects together

The former senator representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, has won the ‘Man of the Year’ award just days after losing a return to the legislative chamber.

However, a mild drama ensued when the organisers of the award called Garba Shehu, a spokesperson of President Muhammadu Buhari, to present the award to the former senator.

The mention of Garba resulted in guests clapping and hailing in surprise.

Even Melaye, who was standing while his citation was read out, could not hold his laughter as well.

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The drama continued as Garba came out, stood before Melaye, paused for a moment before speaking. This action further caused laughter in the audience.

Garba then asked jokingly after collecting the plaque to be presented to Melaye: “Should I just take this thing and leave him standing here?”

He told the guests that he had been close to Dino Melaye being that the duo had come a very long way. He added that they had worked together on many projects. He noted that politics has a way of bringing people together and also dividing them.

In his reaction after receiving the award, Melaye described Garba as his brother and friend. He confirmed that the two of them have a longstanding relationship beyond the current dispensation.

“And I appreciate him for presenting this award. I appreciate the organisers,” Melaye said.

He was described as the most performed and vibrant member of the National Assembly. Melaye had also won senator of the year in 2017.

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Legit.ng earlier reported how Melaye reacted recently to the defeat he suffered on Saturday, November 30, during the supplementary election in his constituency.

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Melaye was defeated by his main challenger and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Smart Adeyemi.

The returning officer of the election, Professor Olajide Lawal, announced this at the collation centre in the state on Saturday, November 30.

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