By Adetutu Folasade-Koyi, Correspondent, Abuja

July 30th, 2007

The police had arrested Ohize and two members of the House of Representatives, A.K. Salihu and Suleiman Abdul Kokori, both of them of the AC, representing constituencies in Kogi State, at the weekend.

They were arrested in connection with the violent crisis which has continually engulfed Kogi Central since after the polls.

Reacting to the weekend arrest, Ohize absolved both himself and the AC of the crisis, insisting that the deputy governor should be held responsible instead.

Speaking with Daily Independent, Ohize stated that the crisis in the state started before the last general elections and only escalated after the polls.

He accused Salawu of working against the interest of Kogi Central Senatorial District.

"The disturbance in the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State is purely political. It started with traditional titles and extended to the April elections, although political differences might have crept in later.

"However, we have tried to use politics to solve it.

"The deputy governor, even though he is from the Central Senatorial District, doesn’t have the courage to confront the governor.

"Instead, he regales the governor with negative stories about us and condemns his own people.

"The deputy governor is not living up to his responsibilities as a leader. Instead of him to live up to his respected position, he is even a participant in the crisis. He hasn’t made attempts to caution those involved in the crisis in the state", Ohize regretted.