The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) and the Northern Awareness Network (NAN) have faulted recent comments made by the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, in which he accused the current administration of President Bola Tinubu of incompetence and ineptitude in an apparent attempt to incite the youth into violent protests and civil disobedience.
In separate statements issued and signed by Yerima Shettima, President General of AYCF, and Salifu Suleiman, Chairman of NAN, the youth groups described Dalung’s comments as the height of shameless recklessness and insanity. They criticised him for making such baseless accusations, considering his own track record of alleged mismanagement and corruption while he held office as Minister of Youths and Sports.
The groups alleged, “During his (Dalung’s) tenure, Nigerian athletes faced numerous challenges due to his incompetence. One glaring example is when Nigerian athletes were sent to the Rio Olympics in 2016 without proper sports kits and uniforms, which brought embarrassment to our country on the global stage.”
They further alleged, “It will not be forgotten in a hurry how funds meant for the Ministry of Sports were withdrawn under his watch, which caused the Buhari-led administration serious embarrassment on the international scene and his subsequent ouster as a cabinet minister. That money was eventually repaid only after his dismissal by the Buhari administration and the efforts of his successor, Mr. Sunday Dare.”
The forum stressed, “It is indeed ironic that Dalung is now preaching misgovernance, incompetence, and corruption. His attempts to return as a minister after being sacked and his failed bid for a House of Representatives seat in 2023 under the SDP ticket after being rejected by both the PDP and LP further highlight his lack of integrity and popular support.”
They also noted, “It is worth mentioning that Dalung was appointed as a minister by President Buhari, in part due to his controversial record of constantly attacking his Christian indigene in Plateau State—a clear testament to his lack of dedication to true public service.”
The AYCF condemns Solomon Dalung’s actions and calls for accountability for his numerous acts of misgovernance and corruption. We urge all Nigerians to reject individuals like Dalung who put their own interests above those of the country.
The AYCF has condemned Dalung’s baseless accusations and called for him to be held accountable for his actions while in office. “We urge the Nigerian public to reject his attempts to regain political relevance and to support leaders who are committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.”
On its part, NAN averred that, as a public figure, Dalung has a platform that can influence and shape the mindset of young people.
“His words carry weight and can incite actions that have far-reaching consequences. It is therefore crucial that he exercise caution and responsibility in his speech, particularly when it comes to matters of violence and conflict.
“Encouraging the youth to engage in acts of violence goes against the principles of integrity and respect for the rule of law. It undermines the very foundations of a just and orderly society and can lead to chaos, destruction, and unnecessary loss of life. The consequences of such actions are catastrophic and can have long-lasting repercussions for both individuals and communities.
“By promoting violence, Dalung is not only failing in his duty as a former government official but also betraying the trust that has been placed in him. His actions are irresponsible and dangerous, with the potential to sow division and conflict among young people. It is essential that he recognises the impact of his words and takes steps to rectify his behaviour.
“Furthermore, the allegations of incompetence and ineptitude levelled against President Tinubu by Dalung are baseless and unsubstantiated. While constructive criticism is a vital part of a democratic society, it must be grounded in facts and evidence. Making sweeping accusations without due diligence only serves to sow discord and hinder the progress of our nation.”
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