US praise for Tinubu does not reflect Nigeria’s security reality – Dalung
Former Minister Critiques U.S. Praise for Nigeria’s Security Efforts
Former Minister and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Solomon Dalung has expressed skepticism regarding the recent commendations from the United States concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s management of security in Nigeria. Dalung argues that these accolades do not accurately represent the ongoing violence, including killings and kidnappings, affecting the country.
In an interview with Trust TV on Thursday, Dalung suggested that the positive remarks from Washington were the result of an extensive lobbying campaign orchestrated by the Nigerian government, though he did not provide evidence to substantiate this claim.
“Since that statement, I have been awaiting a report, and it is only now that we received one. President Tinubu’s lobbying in Washington has evidently paid off,” Dalung asserted.
He further described the U.S. assessment as misleading, maintaining that insecurity is rampant, particularly in northern Nigeria.
“The report is simply deceitful, as the realities on the ground tell a different story. Killings continue unabated across the country, especially in northern states, where violence persists,” he said.
Dalung went on to imply that American officials may be prioritizing broader geopolitical interests, which he believes could be influencing their portrayal of Nigeria’s security situation.
“The Americans are attempting to shift attention because they are engaged in multiple conflicts abroad. They need to redirect their focus to other regions beyond Nigeria,” he commented.
He emphasized that despite foreign assistance, there has been no significant improvement in Nigeria’s security framework. “Since the Americans engaged, terrorist groups and kidnappers have continued their assaults with little hindrance. There are no notable accomplishments to highlight,” Dalung stated.
Referencing recent attacks on farmers in Zamfara State, he pointed out that both the perpetrators and victims were Muslims.
“Those who killed the farmers in Zamfara were Muslims attacking their fellow Muslims. While violence affects Christians in some areas, Muslims are also suffering in others,” he noted.
Dalung also criticized the Nigerian political elite for failing to adequately address security challenges leading into the 2027 general elections.
“For me, this situation amounts to a genocide against the poor and represents a conspiracy among the political class to further their ambitions in the upcoming elections,” he said.
