A former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has opened up about why he was not reappointed as a minister during the second term of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
After serving as minister between 2015 and 2019, Dalung was not chosen for reappointment following Buhari’s re-election in 2019.
During an interview on Channels TV breakfast show on Tuesday, Dalung explained that his outspokenness and harsh criticism of certain issues ultimately led to him being overlooked for another term.
Dalung emphasized that despite his outstanding performance while in office, he unintentionally offended powerful individuals within the corridors of power who ensured his exclusion from the cabinet.
“I believe I have an exceptional track record of achievements that remains unchallenged to this day,” stated Dalung. “However, there were numerous factors that contributed to my non-reappointment. Perhaps, God had other plans. But I must admit that my habit of speaking my mind and not sparing sensitive toes within the power circle played a significant role.”
Furthermore, Dalung shed light on the existence of influential groups, such as the cabal, stating, “Even now, there is a cabal; as I speak to you, there is a cabal within Tinubu’s government. Cabals will always emerge; they consist of ambitious individuals with different aspirations from the leader, seeking to seize power and promote their own interests.”
Dalung also highlighted an incident involving a ministerial nominee from Kano State, whose name appeared on the list for consideration by the National Assembly before being rejected. He attributed this occurrence as evidence of cabalism within the government.
In addition, he expressed his willingness to accept a ministerial position under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, on the condition that his freedom to express his views is upheld.
“A ministerial appointment is not about serving an individual; it is about serving the country,” Dalung remarked. “I agreed to serve under Buhari because of the commitments we made together. However, I will only accept to serve if my voice is not suppressed.”
