Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has criticized President Bola Tinubu over his choice of official vehicles, arguing that past Nigerian leaders maintained a tradition of using the Mercedes Benz S-Class, but Tinubu has chosen a more expensive alternative, as reported by Daily Post on Tuesday, 9 September, 2025.
Melaye recalled that from the era of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa to former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Mercedes Benz S-Class was the standard for official use.
He said this practice was not only modest but also helped to keep government spending under control.
According to him, Tinubu’s decision to use a German Mercedes Benz model similar to the one used by U.S. President Donald Trump reflects unnecessary extravagance.
He stated that such a move sends the wrong signal at a time when Nigerians are facing severe economic hardship.
The former senator described Tinubu’s government as one of the most reckless in Nigeria’s history.
He pointed out that while citizens are struggling with inflation and high living costs, the presidency is adopting a lifestyle that ignores the reality of the nation’s economic challenges.
Melaye stressed that the choice of luxury vehicles undermines the president’s earlier promises to reduce waste and run a government of prudence.
He insisted that leaders should show examples of sacrifice rather than indulge in excesses.
He warned that such decisions weaken public trust and deepen the perception that government officials are out of touch with ordinary Nigerians.
Melaye stated that leadership in difficult times requires discipline, modesty, and accountability.
He urged the president to reflect on the examples of past leaders who adopted simpler standards, rather than embracing costly symbols of power.
“Since Tafawa Balewa, Azikiwe, down to Buhari every president and Prime Minister in this country used the Mercedes Benz S-Class as their official vehicle.
The president is using a German Mercedes Benz, the same type that Trump is using in America and you say that you want to curb wastages?
This government is one of the most reckless governments in the history of this country,” he said.
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