How My Very Toxic Tongue Cost Me Reappointment As Minister – Former Buhari Minister
Solomon Dalung, the former Minister of Youth and Sports, has provided insight into why he was not retained as a minister during the second term of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr. Dalung, who held the ministerial position from 2015 to 2019, did not receive a reappointment after Mr. Buhari’s reelection
However, in an interview on Channels TV breakfast show on Tuesday, Mr. Dalung revealed that his forthrightness in addressing issues, at times, led to his exclusion from reappointment.
He further explained that despite his commendable performance during his tenure, he found himself at odds with influential figures in the corridors of power, which ultimately influenced his non-return.
“Well, I think I still have an outstanding record of performance that nobody has been able to challenge till date.
“There were so many reasons. God didn’t want me. But I think the very toxic tongue of mine, in terms of addressing issues and not sparing certain toes within the power base, played a role,” he claimed.
“Even now there is a cabal; as I am talking to you, there is a cabal in Tinubu’s government. Cabal will always exist; they are a group of ambitious people who have different ambitions from the leader and exist within the power base to hijack power and project their own interest.
“If there was no cabal, how would a minister nominee from Kano State find his name on the list and go to the National Assembly before he was turned back. That is a sign of cabal in the government”.
He also expressed that he would only consider taking a ministerial role under President Bola Tinubu if he could be assured that his opinions and perspectives would be valued and respected.
“A ministerial appointment is not to serve an individual. Is to serve your country. Why I agree to serve under Buhari is because of the covenant I had with him.
“I will not agree to serve with children who will padlock my mouth. I will only accept to serve under the condition that they will not padlock my mouth,” he added.
