Solomon Dalung Admits Buhari’s Administration Deceived Nigerians, Reveals Shocking Truths
Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, has made a startling admission about the government he once served. In a candid interview on the ‘Mic On Podcast’ with popular TV host Seun Okinboloye, Dalung confessed that the Buhari-led government misled Nigerians throughout its eight-year tenure, acknowledging that much of what the administration promised did not align with the reality experienced by the people.
Dalung, who served in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) during Buhari’s first term from 2015 to 2019, expressed his disappointment with the government’s performance. Reflecting on the broken promises and the administration’s failure to meet expectations, he remarked, “I am completely disappointed because what we told Nigerians was not what happened. We lied; we deceived Nigerians. Even though we used the phrase ‘people deceive people’ to criticize the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) during our campaigns, we ended up being a replica of the same thing we accused them of.”
A Reflection on Unmet Promises
Dalung’s comments come as a scathing critique of the Buhari administration, which had promised major reforms in key areas such as security, the economy, and governance transparency. According to Dalung, the government’s inability to follow through on its promises had profound consequences on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Confronting Buhari Over Security Challenges
One of the most significant issues Dalung raised was the government’s handling of security, particularly as it deteriorated over the course of Buhari’s tenure. Reflecting on his efforts to draw attention to the growing security crisis, Dalung described how he personally confronted the president over the alarming state of insecurity in the country.
“When we came in, it was just the North-East that had security issues. By 2020, it was no longer safe to travel from Abuja to Kaduna,” Dalung explained. He recalled how, in a direct conversation with Buhari, he expressed his concerns about the escalation of violence. “I told the president, ‘If you don’t believe me, roll out a brigade of guards now, and I’ll join you. We’ll drive from Abuja to Daura. If bandits don’t attack us, I’ll go and die in exile.’”
Dalung went on to state that the president appeared genuinely surprised by the gravity of the security situation. “To be fair to the president, he expressed surprise, meaning that some of the things I told him, he was hearing for the very first time,” Dalung said. This revelation suggests that even at the highest levels of government, the scale of insecurity was not fully understood, raising questions about the effectiveness of the administration’s intelligence and response systems.
Buhari’s Lack of Awareness
Dalung also revealed that President Buhari was often unaware of significant incidents occurring under his administration. One such incident occurred when the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) engaged in a standoff in Asokoro, Abuja, which lasted for three days, effectively holding the community hostage. Remarkably, Dalung noted that the president was completely unaware of the situation until he informed him during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
“I was the one who informed him about the incident. I expected it to be on the agenda, but it wasn’t. I had to introduce it under ‘Any Other Business’ (AOB), and the president was completely confused listening to what I was saying,” Dalung recalled. According to him, Buhari’s reaction was one of visible anger and confusion. “At the end of the meeting, we even left without a closing prayer because he was visibly angry. On my way to the office, I saw those two agencies, directly under his office, holding a community hostage for three days over whatever interest they had, and the president didn’t know,” he added.
This shocking admission paints a picture of an administration that was disconnected from the realities on the ground, raising concerns about the level of oversight and coordination within the executive branch.
Implications of Dalung’s Confession
Dalung’s statements have far-reaching implications for understanding the inner workings of the Buhari administration. His frank admission of deception not only casts a shadow on the government’s legacy but also highlights the disconnect between the leadership and the lived experiences of Nigerians. For many, these revelations may resonate as a confirmation of the frustrations they faced under the previous administration, from unmet security promises to growing economic hardship.
Dalung’s comments are likely to fuel ongoing debates about the Buhari administration’s track record, particularly as Nigeria navigates the aftermath of its eight years in power. His confession may also contribute to a broader conversation about accountability in governance, the importance of transparency, and the need for political leaders to be more in tune with the realities facing their citizens.
A Call for Greater Accountability
Looking forward, Dalung’s candid revelations underscore the need for greater accountability in Nigerian politics. While the Buhari administration’s promises were often lofty, Dalung’s confessions point to a reality where political leaders failed to live up to the expectations they set for themselves. As Nigeria continues to grapple with various challenges, these lessons should serve as a guide for future administrations to prioritize truth, transparency, and responsibility in their leadership.
