Ex-Minister Solomon Dalung Criticizes Tinubu’s Broadcast, Supports Nationwide Hunger Protests

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent national broadcast, which called for an end to the ongoing nationwide hunger protests.

Dalung, who led an anti-government protest in Jos, Plateau State last Thursday, was again seen at an open-air Sunday church service held by the protesters in Jos. Addressing journalists at the Old Airport Roundabout, where a large crowd of protesters, including Christian and Muslim leaders, had gathered, Dalung described Tinubu’s broadcast as empty, insisting that the protest was far from finished.

“The President did not say anything in his speech,” Dalung stated. “He did not appeal to the protesters to stop. He only threatened them and instructed security agencies to continue with the clampdown, shooting, and killing. He did not even address Nigerians. He was just talking to himself and his cabinet members. All these statements only strengthen our resolve to continue with this protest.”

The protesters, carrying the Nigerian flag, blocked the Old Airport Roundabout, forcing motorists to find alternative routes within the metropolis. The church service held by the protesters was significant to many of them, as they believed that God could still intervene in Nigeria’s affairs and bring about positive change for the suffering citizens.

One protester, Philip Madaki, shared his thoughts: “I have been participating in the protest since it began on Thursday, and today, being Sunday, we are continuing with a church service. We believe that God Almighty has not abandoned the country and its citizens. We know He has the power to turn the hearts of leaders in whichever direction He wants. We want Him to visit our leaders, especially those in governance, and touch their hearts so that they understand the suffering of the citizens caused by bad governance and harsh economic policies. That’s why we are adding the church service to the ongoing protests.”