Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has clarified that the growing discontent in Northern Nigeria towards President Bola Tinubu stems not from his appointments, but from the devastating economic impact of his administration’s policies.
In an interview with Vanguard, Dalung explained that while many have pointed to lopsided federal appointments, the real source of Northern anger is the economic hardship that has worsened under Tinubu’s leadership.
According to Dalung, the North gave President Tinubu overwhelming support in the 2023 presidential election, contributing more than five million votes based on a commitment to national unity and the principle of power rotation. However, that goodwill has now eroded due to policies that have, in his words, "weaponized poverty."
He said, “Northerners are not angry because of federal appointments especially since the Muslim North has largely benefited from those appointments. The real issue is the way the Tinubu administration has deepened economic suffering and neglected the poor. Policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies have pushed millions further into poverty.”
Dalung accused the President and his government of living extravagantly while ordinary Nigerians struggle to survive. “This administration has insulted the suffering masses by its lavish spending and disregard for their welfare. There’s widespread frustration and a sense of betrayal,” he added.
He further emphasized that Tinubu’s failure lies in his inability to address the deteriorating quality of life for average Nigerians. “The appointees from the North are ineffective; they have not improved lives or changed perceptions. There’s growing distrust, not because the President is from the South, but because his government has failed the people,” he noted.
Dalung’s remarks come amid rising inflation, growing unemployment, and public dissatisfaction with ongoing economic reforms many describe as disconnected from the realities of the masses.
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