'He Is a Comedian': Group Slams Melaye, Questions His Pedigree, Others
- A Kogi grassroots forum has criticised Dino Melaye and said his public remarks carried no weight compared to Leke Abejide’s development record
- The forum said Melaye’s years in office were marked by theatrics, abandoned projects, and lack of meaningful constituency impact
- Honourable Leke Abejide received praise from the group for delivering visible projects, empowerment programmes, and job opportunities across Okun communities
A grassroots political group in Kogi state has taken aim at former Senator Dino Melaye over his recent criticism of the chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Honourable Leke Abejide.
The Ijumu Voters Forum said Melaye’s remarks had no value and described him as a comedian whose commentary should not be taken seriously.
Source: Facebook
The forum said Melaye’s own record in public office did not place him in a position to challenge any leader on behalf of the Okun people.
In a statement made available to Legit.ng on Monday, December 2, the group also questioned his academic background, effectiveness in office, and quality of representation when he served in the National Assembly.
Group questions Melaye's steady leadership record
The criticism followed Melaye’s comments on the internal crisis in the African Democratic Congress. The group said the former senator failed to provide credible leadership during his years in public service and that his reputation was shaped more by theatrics than achievement.
Honourable Eleta Kelvin Oluseyi, the coordinator of the forum, said Melaye lacked the moral standing to apologize or speak for the people of Kogi West.
He said the former senator’s time in office was defined by drama that overshadowed development.
According to the group:
“Leadership is measured by impact, and by that standard, his record falls short of what the people of Kogi West deserved.”
It furthered that Melaye became known nationwide for stunts, quarrels, and viral moments that did not translate into improvements for his constituents.
The forum added that the district did not witness sustainable empowerment or employment programs during his tenure. It added that there were no landmark projects that changed daily life for residents of Okun communities.
Concerns over abandoned projects in Melaye's constituency
One example cited by the group was the abandoned fuel station project in Ayetoro Gbede, which it said had been left unattended for nearly 15 years. The forum said the project could have stimulated local business activities and provided jobs for young people if it had been completed. It claimed the site stood as a reminder of neglect while Melaye expanded his business interests in various international cities.
The forum urged Honourable Leke Abejide to ignore what it called needless political distractions and continue delivering constituency projects. It praised Abejide for facilitating employment opportunities, road construction, school improvements, and empowerment initiatives across Okunland.
The statement said:
“Hon. Leke Abejide has built a record that speaks for itself.”
The forum added that many people in the area reject attempts to tarnish the reputation of a leader who has delivered visible results.
It said Melaye’s attacks were an attempt to stay politically relevant and do not reflect the political mood of the constituency. The group said public confidence in the former senator diminished after the 2023 governorship election.
It concluded that true leadership requires discipline and service and that the younger generation expects results instead of displays of wealth or online theatrics.
Mark, Aregbesola, emerge as ADC chair, secretary
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu was sent a warning note to gear up for the challenges ahead against his second-term ambition by the coalition.
This came with the emergence of the former senate president David Mark and ex-Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola as the interim national chairman and secretary of its adopted ADC.
According to multiple sources, the coalition movement also appointed the former sports minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, as the interim publicity secretary of the ADC.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
