A
former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dino Melaye, has
come under heavy criticisms from Nigerians for expressing joy and relief
over his alleged failed marriage.
The social media had in the last few
days been awash with reports, as well as divorce papers and sundry
petitions allegedly written by his wife, Tokunbo, seeking to end their
10-year-old union.
Tokunbo had in the petitions cited domestic violence as the cause of the frosty relationship between her and his husband.
But as some Nigerians reached out to the
former lawmaker who represented Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency
of Kogi State in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, to hear his
side of the story, he tweeted that he had “long awaited” the end of
their union.
Melaye who just signified interest to
run for the senatorial seat of Kogi West District wrote on both Twitter
and Facebook that he was “grateful to God” for making their separation a
reality.
“I am grateful to God that a turbulent
phase in my life has finally come to a long awaited end,” Melaye, the
Executive Secretary of the Anti-Corruption Network, wrote on his social
media pages.
But Nigerians, especially, his social
media followers, have expressed disappointment over the response of the
politician turned activist, saying he was not laying a good example for
the younger generation.
His social media followers argued that
it was regrettable that a man who brandishes himself as a beacon of good
governance could not put his nuclear family in order, but rather
rejoice over a failed union.
According to them, the turn of events
shows that Melaye needs to get some lessons on home management before
coming out to clamour for a new Nigeria.
One of his Twitter followers, Emmanuel
Umeh, said he was particularly irked by Melaye’s decision to take to
social media to “celebrate” his failed union. Umeh noted that Nigeria
needs selfless individuals who can manage their homes first before
contemplating on becoming national leaders.
Umeh, in a series of tweets to Melaye,
wrote, “Shut up, see this man that has not been able to manage his home,
is here on Twitter talking. When you are able to fix your home, you can
talk. The truth must be told. Go fix your home, shameless man. You make
noise here on Twitter, yet you can’t put things right in your home.
“What got me angry is that he (Melaye)
came to Twitter to celebrate the nonsense he did. He must first do a
clean job on himself, before he comes out again. If he tries it, we will
shout him down. Indeed he is a shameless man. Nigeria is doomed not
just because of bad governance but for fake activists like Melaye.”
Also echoing Umeh, one Milan Kunle
wrote on Melaye’s Facebook page that he should immediately initiate a
fence mending mission between himself and his now estranged wife.
Kunle noted that a divorce could cost
the ex-lawmaker his electoral value adding that he would not vote for a
man who doesn’t have a settled home.
According to him, the way and manner
Melaye manages the affairs of his family will go a long way in
determining how he will manage the people.
He observed that Melaye’s family record will be a determining factor for his success at the polls come 2015.
“For the sake of your children,
reconcile with your wife and apologise. Set a good example and don’t
divorce. Remember, a man that is not loyal to his wife will not be loyal
to the Republic of Nigeria. Charity they say begins at home.
“We will not vote for a man that cannot control his own family to rule Kogi West Senatorial District. Never!” Kunle said.
Another Facebook fan of Melaye, Chuma
Okoronkwo, said he reached the conclusion that Melaye should make
necessary amends and unite with his wife, after seeing his family
picture showing him, his wife and their four children online.
Okoronkwo stated, “Just saw your family
picture. Nice family. There must be a way out. You are the man. Take the
initiative. Don’t let this happen. Put the children into proper
perspective and sleep over it bros. They are too beautiful for this rubbish you and your wife want to put them through.”
When Melaye tweeted that he “dares
President Goodluck Jonathan to charge All Progressives Congress leaders
with treason” in response to the Presidency’s threat, one Dollar
Akinsola replied him, saying, “I dare you too, to build a successful
home.” Akinsola added, “Yea, nobody is holy and perfect, but it
shouldn’t be Dino Melaye that will be forming saint on Twitter.”