Why Nigerians should not trust Dino Melaye

In Nigeria, it is very easy to be a political activist when you are not in power or among those in power or authority, and former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye is one man that embodies this principle so very much.

The politician is very fond of turning up when necessary and painting himself in the glory of being a civil rights activist as soon as he is a member of the opposition party not privileged to be in power. However, as soon as such power is attained either with his party being elected into the seat of power or via defection, the song changes — that is the typical Nigerian politician.

All is well as soon as it goes well for them, and all isn’t well for the masses as soon as it isn’t well for them. Nigeria becomes the song to sing when hell breaks loose and the rhythm no longer suits the tone they want to dance to.

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In a recent video, former Senator Dino Melaye urged the Nigerian government to take the demands of protesters seriously, highlighting hunger as a “unifying factor” in the country.

Rightly, he called on the administration to respect citizens’ rights and address their grievances, seemingly positioning himself as a champion of the people’s interests.

However, a closer look at Melaye’s political history reveals a pattern of contradictions and actions that undermine his current stance, raising questions about the authenticity of his concern for the Nigerian masses.

Dino Melaye’s political career has been marred by a series of controversial statements and actions that starkly contrast his recent calls for empathy and responsibility.

Is Dino Melaye really the politician to be championing the masses knowing his own involvement with the 2 governments whose administrations has led to the decay of the country’s standing in the international community?

For instance, during his time in the Senate, Dino Melaye was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and frequent displays of wealth, often at odds with the economic hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians he periodically takes online to champion.

In 2017, Melaye was embroiled in a scandal over the misrepresentation of his educational qualifications, an issue that cast doubt on his integrity and commitment to transparency .

Moreover, Melaye has been vocal in criticizing various administrations, yet his record shows little in terms of meaningful legislative contributions that directly benefited the average Nigerian.

Instead, his tenure was characterized by frequent altercations with political opponents and a focus on self-promotion. His political career took a tumultuous turn when he was arrested multiple times on allegations ranging from conspiracy to illegal possession of firearms, further complicating his public image .

Inconsistent Advocacy for the People

While Melaye now calls for respect for protesters and the addressing of their demands, his past actions suggest a different attitude towards citizen grievances.

For example, Melaye was a prominent supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government during its early years, a period marked by significant economic challenges and growing public discontent. His support continued even as the administration faced widespread criticism for failing to address issues such as unemployment, inflation, and insecurity .

Furthermore, Melaye’s sudden shift to championing the masses’ causes can be seen as opportunistic, especially given his earlier stances. In 2019, during the #EndSARS protests, which called for an end to police brutality, Melaye’s support was notably subdued.

His absence from the forefront of these crucial movements raises questions about his genuine commitment to the people’s welfare, as he now purports to advocate for the poor and hungry.

A Call for Critical Evaluation

Nigerians must critically evaluate the intentions of political figures like Dino Melaye, who, despite their newfound rhetoric, have a track record that suggests otherwise. While hunger and economic hardship are pressing issues that require urgent attention, Melaye’s past inconsistencies and controversies make it difficult to trust his current narrative.

Melaye’s recent statements, urging peaceful protests and government accountability, may resonate with the public’s current frustrations.

However, it is essential to remember that actions speak louder than words. Melaye’s history of self-serving politics and lack of substantive contributions to improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians should serve as a cautionary tale.

The former senator’s latest performance in the political arena should be viewed with skepticism, as it may be another instance of political opportunism rather than a genuine commitment to change.