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Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has downplayed US President Donald Trump’s recent praise of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle terrorism in Nigeria.
The ex-minister said Nigerians should not need to be told that security has improved, arguing that real progress would be felt in communities across the country.
He stated this in a Facebook post on Saturday, days after the presidency said Trump endorsed Tinubu’s war on terror.
In a statement dated July 22, presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said Trump penned a letter to his Nigerian counterpart wherein he appreciated Tinubu’s “decisive leadership” and resolve to tackle the issues plaguing the nation, “especially the violence affecting Christian communities”.
“And it is a true honor to stand with you in the0 fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous,” the US President was quoted to have said.
However, Dalung cautioned against confusing foreign endorsements with domestic approval, saying diplomatic applause does not reflect the lived realities of citizens.
“One of the greatest mistakes any government can make is confusing diplomatic applause with domestic approval,” he said.
“A handshake in Washington does not erase tears in Plateau, Benue, Zamfara, Kwara or any of the insecurity infected areas. A glowing report from foreign capitals does not comfort a farmer who cannot safely return from his farm.”
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Dalung said the only endorsement that matters in a democracy is “the verdict of the people who live with the consequences of government policies every single day.”
“If insecurity has truly improved, Nigerians should not need to be told. They should feel it. Farmers should cultivate without fear. Children should attend school without becoming bargaining chips for kidnappers. Travelers should drive from one state to another without composing farewell messages to their loved ones before setting out,” he stated.
He added that “security is not measured by press releases. It is measured by peace of mind,” and noted that violence across Nigeria “no longer respects religion or ethnicity.”
“Perhaps the greatest tragedy of our time is that poverty has become the common identity of the victims. The poor bury the dead. The poor pay ransoms. The poor abandon their ancestral homes,” Dalung said.
The former minister warned that international endorsements are driven by national interests and should not replace citizens’ experiences.
“A government seeking another mandate should not campaign with endorsements from overseas. It should campaign with evidence. Show Nigerians safer roads. Show them flourishing farms. Show them thriving businesses. Show them communities where children can sleep through the night without fear of gunfire,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Dalung said the conversation should focus on who has restored dignity, security and hope at home.
“Because elections are not decided in Washington. They are decided in Wase, Bokkos, Zamfara, Maiduguri, Benue, Kaduna, Lagos, Kano, Jos and every polling unit where Nigerians cast their votes based on the realities they have lived, not the endorsements others have written,” he stated.
