Dino Melaye criticizes Tinubu’s Democracy Day address

By Taiwo Scholarstica

Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day broadcast, saying it does not reflect the current realities in Nigeria.

Melaye made the statement on Friday in Abuja during a posthumous colloquium held in honour of the late media entrepreneur, Raymond Dokpesi.

He said the President’s address failed to capture the challenges Nigerians are facing, especially insecurity and economic hardship.

Melaye also called for urgent action over rising cases of kidnappings and killings across the country, citing incidents in Oyo and Kogi states.

He said the situation showed that the government needed to do more to protect lives and property, adding that the security system was under serious pressure.

The former senator went further to say that the President should consider resigning if he is unable to handle the country’s security challenges.

He also blamed the administration for worsening economic conditions, saying many Nigerians are struggling due to hardship.

Also speaking at the event, former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Nkoyo Toyo, urged citizens not to assume the 2027 elections are already decided, and encouraged them to remain active in the democratic process.

She called for greater public attention on the appointment of electoral officials, saying it is important for credible elections.

Another speaker, former Benue State Attorney-General, Alex Ter Adum, expressed concern over what he described as shrinking democratic space and intolerance of opposing views.

He said Nigerians must continue to speak out freely and ensure that democracy remains open to all citizens.