Dino Melaye, a controversial politician and former senator from Kogi West, has sparked controversy once more after posting a sarcastic and cryptic remark on Instagram implying that Nigeria would soon require “National Days of Prayer” devoted to political scheming rather than national reconciliation.
In the Instagram post, which has since gone viral, Melaye wrote:
“We will graduate to National Days of Prayer. The prayer points will be more defections to APC, more problems within opposition parties, safe presidential trips abroad, and easy access to foreign loans.”
Despite its briefness, the post has sparked a variety of interpretations, with many people viewing it as a thinly veiled critique of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is now in power, and the status of Nigerian politics. A well-known figure in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Melaye is renowned for his dramatic approach and candid opinions on national matters.
According to political analysts, the former senator’s remark seems to make fun of the wave of APC defections, ongoing internal strife in opposition groups, and President Bola Tinubu’s numerous international trips, all of which have come under fire from detractors in the face of growing economic and security difficulties.
Melaye also mockingly implied that even debt acquisition now calls for divine intervention, taking aim at Nigeria’s increasing desire for international loans.
Within hours, the post received hundreds of likes and comments, with Nigerians commenting on Melaye’s unique combination of criticism and fun.
“Only Dino can pray like this,” one user quipped.
“Sadly, it’s funny because it’s true,” another added.
“Naija satire hits harder than press conferences these days,” one comment read.
Others criticised Melaye of trivialising important concerns, particularly as the nation struggles with political instability, inflation, and insecurity, while others found the message humorous and relatable.
Dino Melaye has continued to be an outspoken opponent despite his unsuccessful 2023 bid for governor of Kogi State. He regularly uses songs, skits, and symbolic commentary to criticise government policy. He is well-known for his theatrical antics in the Senate and on social media.
Many Nigerians believe that Melaye’s message represents the public’s rising disenchantment with the political elite, even though he has not clarified if his most recent post was intended as comedy or as a covert political comment.
Even while Melaye’s call for “National Days of Prayer” is tongue-in-cheek, it may have a deeper impact than intended as political tensions and economic situations increase.
For many Nigerians, it’s a well-known combination of sad truth and political irony, encased in humour and presented with Dino Melaye’s distinctive style.
Leave a Reply