Group Cautions Sports Minister Dalung On Sacred Task Of Ensuring Buhari’s 2019 re-election
The Oasis Reporters
September 13, 2019
By Moses Gbande
A group of Nigerians have observed with total dismay the actions of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung who has abdicated the duties and responsibilities of his exalted office to become ‘Minister of Football’.
The group shock made this observation in an open letter signed by Hon. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, Member, Nasarawa state House of Assembly,
Chairman, State Houses parliamentary Support Group for President Muhammadu Buhari 2019, National Secretary, Presidential Support Committee said the YOUTH component of his Ministry has become a mere appellation rather than a sacred duty to be discharged.
“It is common knowledge that since assumption of office, the Minister has not used his office to drive any youths agenda for President Muhammadu Buhari’s consideration, thereby exposing the president to callous mischief from his opponents. Instead, the controversial minister has continued to engage some of the loyalists of Mr. President in unnecessary battles.
“I make bold to call on you to leave the Plateau State governor, Rt Hon Simon Lalong, alone as he continues to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. Enough of your trivial distractions which directly affects the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Nigerian youths have observed that since his assumption into office, he has not engaged the youths in any forum on the need to foster peaceful coexistence and showcase the monumental achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari. This is very sad considering the fact that our dear nation is going through trying times in the area of security which has resulted in mutual distrust and suspicion among the diverse Nigerian population.
“It is very disheartening to note that an Honourable Minister saddled with the responsibility of youth and sports has arrogated a tiny juicy part of the ministry of sports to himself rather than the larger responsibility of enlightening the Nigerian youths on the programmes and policies of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I dare say that if propagating the massive achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari was top on the agenda of the Honourable Minister, avenues like the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC scheme would have been utilized to carry the youths along in keeping them in touch with President Buhari’s change agenda. He has not found It worthy to reach out to the NYSC in their various camps to educate them on the policies and programmes of government and also urge them to educate Nigerians in their various places of assignment.
“As the Ministry is saddled with the responsibility of interfacing with Nigerian youths, it is sad to note that the Ministry has not rolled out any platform for Nigerian youths to interface
, intent upon contributing their quota to National development. “Dalung has not reached out to Nigerian youths to help tackle the menacing security situation in the country rather than spending Weekends and holidays in Abuja. Youths are not given any potent platform to contribute their quota on security and peace building.
As the Honourable Minister in charge of teeming Nigerian youths, his inaccessibility is legendary as prominent youths and youth groups variously testified to making series of futile efforts towards trying to interface with their minister.
“We also observe and advice that there should be a platform for youths to air their grievances, interact with their peers on local and National issues mediated by the Ministry of Youths and Sports to educate our youths on the need to shun divisive tendencies, reduce social media hate speech and bitter criticisms. A platform like this will be an avenue for youths to proffer solution to the problems bedeviling the Nigerian socio-political space.
“We recommend that these platforms should be replicated in every state and local government areas and comprehensive report be compiled monthly so that it can inform government decisions and policies.
