Criticisms have trailed an Instagram post by Nigerian comedian and former BBNaija housemate, Dee-one, in which he appeared to have backed embattled lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye.

In his post, the comedian has said that the Melaye needs to be treated with respect.

Sharing a picture of him and the lawmaker, Dee-one wrote,

“When will we learn to treat people with respect?? I believe you will definitely come out stronger! #OneLove”, he wrote on Instagram.

The post has, however, gathered strong condemnation from commenters, with many wondering when it became a crime to stand trial for an alleged crime.

WuzupNaija recalls that Melaye, who is representing the Kogi West Senatorial district, has been in the news for allegedly trying to evade arrest by the police. Armed with an arrest warrant, the police had attempted to arrest Melaye at his Abuja residence late December. The Senator, however, hid in his home for eight days before finally surrendering on 4th January 2019.

Since surrendering, the senator, who is currently being charged for criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide committed on 19th July 2018, has claimed illness.

In one photo, he was seen lying on a small mattress in front of what looked like a hospital. It was not clear if the lawmaker was taking a nap.

Reacting to Dee-one’s post @ omo.oluwa said:

“In BBA house u never treated anyone with respect that’s why we never voted for u whenever you’re up for possible eviction. Yeye comedian

Supporting @omo.oluwa, @busybraining wrote:

What is this guy saying ?? What respect are you talking about? Is it a crime to stand a trial at the court ?? You are also part of the people that complain about Nigeria not moving forward.. do you think just any individual can try all his doing? SARS would have damaged the person’s body and soul.. no one is above the law brother, let him go for the trial.. period

In apparent sarcasm, @admin.iyke said:

Dino our man. I see him becoming a president in the nearest future

@koinzino believed Dino Melaye “He should have respected himself by obeying police’s invitation in the first place.. he got what he asked for”

@tobemadekwe in his comment said:

A Senator of the Federal Republic is trying to evade arrest and you are here shouting respect?Looool

See other comments:

@akabadoo: Deeone. Don’t you think you should just face your career and let this man sort his self inflicted problems? You are an upcoming celebrity and I feel you should stay off stuff like this.

@edith_aiyede: This man openly and unapologetically insults and makes a mockery of the president of a country at every given opportunity and you talk about treating people with respect. Not to say there’s any excuse for not treating anyone right…but hey…….look at the man on the mirror and the one to your left man. Bye

@havizademola: Hmmm he would want to prove to the whole world that he snapped a picture with Dino

@sydney_sydneybae: Tell him to man up and stop acting like a coward. Strong guy strong guy, arrest dey fear am

@jenodis: Hypocrite, now you know it’s good to respect and treat people well because the issue concerns someone you benefit or wishing to benefit from, did you respect your fellow ex-housemates when you were in the BB house? Nonsense and ingredient

@tuvicoladeji: Respect ko respected ni, let him say whatever he knows about the policeman they claim he shot, abi cos the man is a commoner Dino Should not be made to face the music of his offence

@maytune14: Treat wu with respect? Where were you when police has been inviting him since July last year? Why didn’t you advised him to honour d invitation? Deeone, walahi you fall my hand, this shows you are not competent to seek for any political office in future.

@mickky_mj: Respect? Na wa for you o deeone. Because you snap picture with am?? Person way him and him thug shoot a police officer whose condition is still critical till now. He was invited since July 2018 but refused to show up, I saw the letter of invitation from the police to the senate Clark. He saw the police and hid himself inside his house for good 8 days claiming he was not at home. Bros just remove mouth for certain political issues o, you are my man. If the policeman was your brother, you would not feel the same way. All lives are important.

@liz_kharis: And who says that’s the best way to handle a lawmaker?? If he insulted the president, why can’t the president summon him and query him? Don’t get me wrong! Whether Dino is right or wrong, our govt should have a more civil way to handle matters.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

When will we learn to treat people with respect?? I believe you will definitely come out stronger! #OneLove

A post shared by DEE-ONE’S OFFICIAL PAGE (@comediandeeone) on Jan 13, 2019 at 2:43am PST

WuzupNaija recalls that armed thugs, reportedly loyal to Dino Melaye, attacked police personnel, shot and wounded Sergeant Danjuma Saliu on stop-and-search duty along Aiyetoro Gbede, Mopa Road in Kogi State.