By Muhammad Mamman
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has launched a blistering attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing it of reckless borrowing, lavish spending, and gross financial mismanagement.
Speaking on Arise Television, Melaye warned that if the trend continues, the government might soon resort to borrowing from local loan apps.
“This government is one of the most reckless in the history of this country,” he said.
His remarks came shortly after Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, also raised concerns over the administration’s insatiable appetite for foreign loans.
“Why is the President borrowing $1.7 billion from the World Bank? Why has the Senate already approved $21 billion, with more requests still pending?” Melaye queried.
The outspoken former lawmaker also lambasted Tinubu for extravagant acquisitions, citing the purchase of a presidential yacht and a new aircraft.
“The President who claimed he wanted to curb wastage bought a yacht – one that has never even touched Nigerian waters, but sits between Monaco and Paris,” he alleged.
On the new presidential jet, Melaye dismissed suggestions it was a gift.
“It was purchased. A gift by whom? Gifts must be declared. The money for that aircraft was never appropriated by the National Assembly, which is why it was conveniently tagged as a gift,” he argued.
Melaye further accused the President of hypocrisy, noting that all Nigerian leaders from Tafawa Balewa to Muhammadu Buhari had relied on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, yet Tinubu opted for a Cadillac similar to that used by former US President Donald Trump.
He also criticised the sharp rise in the National Assembly budget under Tinubu.
“In the 8th Senate, the National Assembly’s budget stood at ₦150 billion. Today, the President has raised it to over ₦300 billion – effectively making it a parastatal of the Villa,” Melaye charged.
He concluded by warning that Tinubu’s policies were unsustainable:
“A President who promised to renew hope has instead bought a yacht, a Cadillac, an aircraft, doubled the National Assembly’s budget, and borrowed like no other leader in history. If this continues, we will not be surprised if he starts borrowing from loan apps.”
