By David Oguzierem
If an award were to be given to the most controversial senator of the 9th senate, Uncle Dino will indisputably carry the award. He is no doubt controversial, but he has also earned for himself a very influential record as a comic actor in the Nigeria national assembly.
Love him, hate him, uncle Dino is a hilarious character, who has found a way to express his opinion in the most bizarre manner.
Though being loquacious, he is good at weaving his word with acts and roles that reminds me of the late Sam Loco Efe or Nkem Owhor, both nollywood actors know for their comic acting.
When Uncle Dino speaks or addresses his opponents, either on the floor on national assembly, in a self made video or the press, he usually ends with a long lasting comic effect. You must let out laughter because his outburst comes with a heavy dose of fun that must get at you. If he doesn’t sing in his native tongue, he will be taunting his enemies with his hands drawing down his down eyes mockingly or dancing uncontrollably in a hotel room.
Uncle Dino, having know that Nigerians love comedy, has found a way to utilise it to his advantage. He creates scenes and acts that attracts sympathy and followership. But I think his penchant for ridiculous comic presentations is gradually fading. Most Nigerians are no longer entertained, obviously because they have realised that its all politics and selfish interest.
The latest story told by Uncle Dino is to say the least an insult on the sensibilities of Nigerians. Senator Dino was billed to appear in Kogi court following a case of attempted murder. According to his interview with Premium Times, he was accosted by Kidnappers. On sighting them, and in their attempt to burn his car, he ran into the bush. He said he ran as fast and long as his leg could carry him until he climbed tree. The tree became his saviour for eleven whole ours. Senator Dino Maleye on a tree for eleven good hours?
I think Senator Dino has introduced another strategy for escaping court summons – the monkey strategy – tree climbing method.
