The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has noted, with a mixture of amusement and pity, the recent rantings of Senator Dino Melaye, where he took aim at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government over borrowing. As usual, the PDP’s self-appointed court jester has once again mistaken noise-making for serious political engagement.
For the avoidance of doubt, let us state clearly: Nigeria’s current borrowing is strategic, targeted at productive infrastructure, power, transport, and critical sectors that will unlock economic growth. This is far removed from the reckless borrowing and squandermania that defined Dino’s PDP era, when loans were blown on frivolities, white elephant projects, and the obscene lifestyles of politicians.
It is therefore the height of irony for Dino Melaye – a man whose Senate career is remembered more for his wardrobe parades, comic theatrics, and luxury car convoys than for any tangible legislative contribution- to lecture anyone on fiscal discipline. Nigerians remember too well that Dino had more exotic cars, each flaunting his vanity registration plates boldly inscribed “DINO”, than he ever had meaningful motions or bills on the floor of the Senate. His political career is a catalogue of excess, self-indulgence, and drama, not service.
What moral authority does a man who turned the Red Chamber into a fashion runway and karaoke lounge have to discuss economic management? The same Dino who was more famous for flaunting his mansions, singing his infamous “Ajekun Iya” chorus, and staging fainting spells than for sponsoring people-oriented legislation now wishes to pose as an economic messiah. Nigerians are not deceived.
Unlike the PDP governments Dino defended with his theatrics, President Tinubu is borrowing not to fund champagne lifestyles but to build lasting foundations for growth. There is a world of difference between a drunkard borrowing to sustain his reckless habits and a businessman borrowing to expand his enterprise. Dino belongs firmly in the first category.
We must remind Dino that governance is not a Nollywood audition. Nigeria’s destiny cannot be tied to comedy skits, musical interludes, or staged fainting performances. If he is desperate for attention, he should confine himself to the entertainment industry, where his talents for clowning, singing, and costume display will find ready appreciation. But as far as serious governance is concerned, Nigerians deserve sober, intelligent contributions- not the rantings of a clown who long missed his calling.
The Lagos APC reaffirms its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold economic reforms and assures Nigerians that no amount of theatrical noise from failed politicians will distract from the work of rebuilding our nation.
Mogaji (Hon) Seye Oladejo.
Lagos APC Spokesman
13/09/25
