'Even there's ashawo joint close to Mount Sinai' - Melaye kicks against govt sponsoring pilgrimages

Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government's funding of pilgrimages to religious sites such as Mecca, Israel, and Jerusalem. During a recent social media interview, Melaye argued that these expenditures should be redirected towards addressing Nigeria's pressing developmental issues.

He asserted that matters of faith and an individual's spiritual connection with God should remain personal matters, and should not be the responsibility of the government. Melaye suggested that churches, mosques, and wealthy individuals should bear the financial burden of sponsoring religious pilgrims, as they are better equipped to do so.

He questioned the government's involvement in religious activities and pointed out the poor state of critical infrastructure and essential services across the country, asking why funds earmarked for development are being spent on such pursuits. The senator also made a controversial remark about the presence of an "ashawo" joint near Jerusalem, suggesting that it undermined the sincerity of some pilgrims.

Despite describing himself as a spiritual person, Melaye emphasized that personal faith should not take precedence over the government's duties to provide essential services and promote national development. He stressed that individuals will ultimately be held accountable for their relationship with God, and that government resources should be directed towards economic growth, improved living conditions, education, technology, and industrialisation.