Tinubu Is Wearing an Oversized Shoe” – Dino Melaye Launches Fresh Attack on President Over Security, Economy

“Tinubu Is Wearing an Oversized Shoe” – Dino Melaye Launches Fresh Attack on President Over Security, Economy

Former Kogi West Senator and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dino Melaye, has launched a scathing criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of lacking the capacity required to effectively govern Nigeria amid worsening economic and security challenges.

Melaye made the remarks in Abuja during the third posthumous legacy colloquium held in honour of the late founder of DAAR Communications, Chief Raymond Dokpesi. Speaking before attendees at the event, the outspoken politician expressed disappointment with President Tinubu’s Democracy Day address, arguing that it failed to acknowledge the daily struggles facing millions of Nigerians.

According to Melaye, the president’s speech did not sufficiently address the rising cost of living, growing insecurity, and other pressing issues affecting citizens across the country. He maintained that leadership should be measured by the ability to guarantee security and improve the welfare of the people.

“Any leader of this country who has failed in security and failed in welfare is a failed president,” Melaye declared.

In one of his strongest criticisms yet, the former senator said President Tinubu was “wearing an oversized shoe,” suggesting that the demands of leading Nigeria exceed his abilities.

“You cannot give what you do not have. Nigeria is not Lagos, where he reigned supreme. He is overwhelmed by the enormity of the task before him,” Melaye said.

He further argued that the president lacks the intellectual, emotional, and physical capacity needed to manage a country as complex and diverse as Nigeria. According to him, the current administration has not demonstrated the level of leadership expected in tackling the nation’s mounting security concerns.

Highlighting recent incidents of insecurity, Melaye pointed to reports of serving military generals who were abducted and killed, describing the development as alarming and indicative of a deepening security crisis.

“This country has never seen it this bad. When generals are being killed, what does that say about the state of our security?” he asked.

Drawing a comparison with other countries, Melaye noted that governments elsewhere often deploy extensive resources to protect their citizens and security personnel. He stressed that his criticism was not a call for the payment of ransoms to criminals but a demand for stronger action and visible leadership.

“If the government cannot demonstrate the capacity to protect lives and secure the nation, then the president should resign honourably and allow someone else to take responsibility,” he concluded.