The travails of Senator Dino
Melaye will actually serve different purposes to different people.
Dino Melaye is a Nigerian
politician, a Senator and member of the 8th National Assembly. He is
representing Kogi West.
More importantly, Dino is a
member of the ruling All Progressives Congress. APC, and is currently the
Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Melaye was one of the outstanding
figures in 2015 during the campaign that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to
power. The senator even held the microphone and served as MC in most of
Buhari’s campaign rallies.
He has, however, stepped on toes
of members of the ruling class in the current administration. This has now made
it difficult for Nigerians to know where exactly his problems are coming from.
There are, however, some lessons
one can derive from the senator’s sage.
1. Nigerian politics is highly
undemocratic. When in government, do not talk too much as Nigeria’s democracy
is somewhat close to aristocracy and authoritarianism. experiences have shown
that there is a limit to what people can say while in government, despite one’s
position. Dino’s regrets may have been that he was bold in an undemocratic
setting.
2. Clear absence of separation of
power: As a lawmaker, the only way to remain safe is to understand that there
is no clear-cut separation of power; even as checks and balances remain
ineffective. Dino’s greatest undoing was failing to realize that the Nigerian
kind of democracy, does not allow for open criticisms of those in charge.
3. He who goes to equity must go
with clean hands. Melaye would have survived his current travail if his hands
were completely clean.
4. He who lives in ‘glass house’
must not throw stones. Dino in this case should have crossed carpeted to the
other side become an opposition. His criticisms would have made more sense.
5. Lawmakers must not take
executive excesses for granted. Saraki and his people failed to act on several
occasions. Despite Senate’s rejection of Magu, he has remained in charge. Many
Chief Executives had in the past refused to appear before the senate, but
actions were treated with globe hands. The legislative body in charge of
6. Hypocrisy in the highest
order: Nigerian politicians are hypocritical.
7. In politics generally, no
permanent enemy, no permanent friend. As these politicians are fighting today,
Nigerians should learn to remain neutral as they may become friends tomorrow.
It won’t be so shocking to have Dino campaigning for Buhari ahead of 2019.
8. Nigerian politicians will
spend the money fighting each other while the masses die.
9. Our security agencies do not
waste time getting to the root of issues when you are the target.
10. Nigerian politics is that of
bitterness. It’s a dangerous politics. People play politics unto death.
I agree with your points
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