Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, describing them as “cowardly decisions” that have caused trauma for Nigerians. Speaking on the latest edition of the Mic on Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Dalung emphasized that the economic measures lack boldness and authenticity. “These decisions were not bold at all. They were decisions of a coward who just wanted to shield himself by unleashing trauma on the people.”
Reflecting on his time in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dalung admitted that the ruling party failed to deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people, explaining further that the party, which was originally created to bring positive change to the country, quickly diverged from its founding ideals. “We lied to Nigerians! We deceived them! President Buhari was a stranger in his own government.”
Dalung also voiced opposition to President Tinubu’s decision to scrap the Ministry of Sports, replacing it with a sports commission. Calling the move a grave mistake, he stressed the need for a radical transformation in Nigeria’s sports sector. “If there was anything Tinubu has done, that to me, was worse than withdrawal of fuel subsidy, it is scrapping the Ministry of Sports. The sport architecture needed radical transformation, the private sector needed to be wooed and the government needed to move from the mentality of seeing sport as a recreation.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Minister of Youth and Sports Development from the year 2015-2019, Dalung who defended his legacy, citing his personal sacrifices during major sporting events proudly noted that under his leadership, Nigeria emerged as champions in ten sports, a feat he called his proudest achievement. He emphasized his commitment to transparency, stating, “Accountability under my watch is open to public scrutiny till date.”
While he also weighed in on the upcoming 2027 presidential election, cautioning against the possibility of the north fielding a presidential candidate, Dalung, therefore urged the president to address the myriad of challenges affecting the country, in order to unite the country and foster progress.
“The way forward for Nigeria is for the president to be a father figure and know that the country is sharply divided and should have taken steps to unite the country. He needs to guarantee the youths of their future, engage with stakeholders across the country and act now.”
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