Tinubu’s Public Statements On Insecurity ‘Fueling Terrorist Attacks’, Says Ex-Minister Dalung

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, has slammed the federal government over its handling of national security, alleging that President Bola Tinubu’s public statements on security matters were emboldening terrorists and worsening the nation’s current wave of attacks.

Speaking on Trust TV on Tuesday, Dalung accused Tinubu of revealing the operational strategies of the Armed Forces, which has become counterproductive.

“I think I should congratulate President Tinubu for deceiving us again. I have been in government throughout Buhari’s time. Whenever there is an attack, the government will say we condemn, we will deal with the situation, we are on top of it. The moment the president makes this statement, the terrorists become emboldened and attack more.”

He said the recent spike in attacks across several states was directly linked to the president’s public comments. “So what has spiked up this current attack is the statement of the government. President Tinubu has said we have changed the service chiefs; we are planning to rejig. Are these serious statements? Do we need to know that one? When the terrorists are planning to attack and kill the generals, do they announce it?” Dalung questioned, stressing that public disclosure of operational security moves was counterproductive.

Dalung argued that a serious government dealing with an existential threat would act differently. “How will a serious government trying to deal with an existential threat like this go on propaganda of making Nigerians feel like they are safe so that we can loosen up then the terrorists will be kidnapping then? When Americans came here and rescued their citizens, did you hear anything until they finished? A serious government will not be discussing security issues on television,” he said.

He also said terrorists were in control and dictating the tempo of attacks. “I am vehement that the terrorists are testing the resolve of the government. They are ahead. Look at the way they are kidnapping with impunity, recklessly. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow; they have moved from Niger and Bauchi and we don’t know where they will go. They are setting the agenda for the Nigerian state to follow like a zombie,” Dalung warned.