"Dino Melaye is a Chief Political Entertainer'', Says Presidency, Mocks Him Over His Loan Comment
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that in response to a controversial comment made by one of the top politician in the country, the presidency has mocked the former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, describing him as a “chief political entertainer.”
OTN News further reports as gathered that the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, who mocked Melaye's comment on Tinubu taking different loan, accused him of trading substance for spectacle during his interview on Arise Television’s programme.
OTN News recalls that Melaye had during an interview, accused Tinubu’s administration of recklessness, stressing that it may soon borrow loans from Fintech companies, Opay and Moniepoint.
However, responding to Dino's comment, the presidential spokesperson, with a post on X, tagged: “Dino Malaye’s Debt Drama: Noise, Not Knowledge,” charged him to acquaint himself with basic economics.
According to him, Melaye’s comments remained in the realm of entertainment and not enlightenment until he acquainted himself with basic economics.
He informed the former lawmaker that borrowing is a legitimate tool for financing growth and reforms.
Dare wrote, “In his latest television appearance, he cast himself as Nigeria’s chief political entertainer, tossing around cheap jabs about “borrowing from OPay and Moniepoint.
“But here are the facts: Nigeria’s total public debt stood at ₦149.39 trillion as of March 31, 2025, according to the Debt Management Office. The jump from last year is not the result of reckless borrowing, but largely the arithmetic of naira depreciation.
“When the currency adjusts, the naira value of existing external debt rises—whether or not new loans are taken.
“Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio remains a moderate 40–45%, well below South Africa’s 70% or Ghana’s 90% plus. The real challenge lies in revenue mobilization, not runaway borrowing.
“Encouragingly, revenues are improving, strengthening our capacity to service obligations.
“Borrowing is a legitimate tool for financing growth and reforms. What matters is sustainability, not soundbites. Unfortunately, Dino prefers theatrics to truth.” he added.
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