Former lawmaker and ADC member, Senator Dino Melaye, has condemned the current administration, calling it reckless and insensitive as Nigerians face widespread hunger and economic hardship.
Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, Melaye said: “This government is one of the most reckless governments in the history of this country… As I speak to you, one of the fundamental errors we have committed as a people is that this government particularly is insensitive. We voted for a government that does not care for the people… there is massive hunger in the land.”
He highlighted the government’s economic policies and spending decisions as evidence of mismanagement.
“Why is the president borrowing $1.7 billion from the World Bank? Why has the Senate approved $21 billion so far, and with many others coming for consideration? This government is one of the most reckless governments in the history of this country,” Melaye said.
On the removal of fuel subsidies, Melaye argued it was handled poorly: “The president committed a monumental error on his first day. In Eagle Square, where he took his oath of office, before even getting to the office to ask questions, he removed subsidies. He did the right thing in the wrong way… Removal of subsidy is the right thing to do. But when? How? Matters. He removed subsidy without planning.”
Melaye also criticised the government for excessive spending, citing the purchase of a yacht and a presidential jet within months of taking office.
“The president, who said he wanted to curb wastages, bought a yacht. That yacht that the president bought has never been to the perimeter territorial area of Nigeria. It’s between Monaco and Paris. And what do we need a yacht for, in a time of austerity, in a time of pervasive hunger like this?”
He further added: “The president also, within a few months in office, bought a presidential jet that cost Nigeria billions. And again, since Shagari down to Buhari, every president and prime minister in this country used Mercedes-Benz S-Class as their official vehicle. The president is using a bomb-jammer Mercedes-Benz, the same type that Trump is using in America. And you say you want to curb wastages?”
Melaye also pointed out the government’s recklessness in borrowing, saying: “And we will not be surprised if the president starts borrowing from OPay and Moniepoint.”
He insisted that the ADC is committed to addressing the nation’s challenges. “ADC is an assembly of repentant, aggrieved, concerned Nigerians. Every notable member of the ADC is ready to make sacrifice so that we can repurchase Nigeria from these criminals in power. There’s a need for us to repurchase our country back. There’s a need to get our country back on track.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to be vigilant ahead of the 2027 elections. “I want to assure you that the 2027 election will not go that way. Nigerians are wiser. Like the Boy Scouts, we are more prepared. And I want to tell you that we will defend our votes this time.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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