During a recent interview, Solomon Dalung, the former minister of Youth and Sports, shared insights on various issues including the ongoing crisis at the Plateau State Assembly.
Regarding the controversy at the Plateau State House of Assembly, where some members declared winners by the Court of Appeal have been sworn in while others await swearing-in, what is your perspective?
The situation at the Plateau State House of Assembly is regrettable. In a democratic system governed by the rule of law, we must abide by the decisions of the Court of Appeal, which holds final authority on state and National Assembly election disputes. Compliance with the rule of law is crucial in a democracy, and the House of Assembly must respect and implement the court’s rulings uniformly.
How do you propose resolving this issue?
The Supreme Court’s validation of Governor Mutfwang’s election should be acknowledged and adhered to by all parties. The Speaker must swear in all members deemed winners by the court, as dictated by law. Failure to do so promptly risks instigating unrest and defying legal obligations.
There have been conflicting court processes submitted to the Speaker on this matter. What is your stance on this?
The Speaker must clarify which court order authorized the recent swearing-in of nine members, while withholding the induction of the rest. The law is explicit, and the Speaker is obligated to adhere to it without prejudice to any party.
Reflecting on the frequent legal challenges to elections in Nigeria, where the judiciary often determines public officeholders, what is your opinion?
Nigeria stands out for the judiciary’s role in not just enforcing election law compliance but also influencing election outcomes, unlike conventional systems. Political interference and corruption have regrettably compromised the judiciary’s independence in Nigeria.
As a former minister under President Buhari’s administration, how do you respond to criticisms attributing current economic hardships to the past government’s mismanagement?
While acknowledging some shortcomings in the implementation of President Buhari’s agenda, notable successes were achieved as well. The administration brought stability to volatile regions like the Niger Delta and took proactive measures against insurgency challenges. Comparatively, the current situation under President Tinubu appears more dire, with escalating poverty levels and healthcare disparities.
Do you believe Nigerians fared better under the previous administration?
The deteriorating conditions under President Tinubu’s leadership, including soaring poverty rates and limited access to essential services like healthcare and transportation, suggest a regression compared to the Buhari era. The present hardships warrant critical appraisal of the current administration’s governance approach.
What is your response to claims linking present-day challenges to the past administration’s economic management?
Blaming past administrations, particularly under the same party’s umbrella, seems unfounded and evasive of present responsibilities. President Tinubu must prioritize effective governance over externalizing blame and address pressing socioeconomic issues affecting the populace.
The initial year in office should demonstrate tangible progress for the populace to discern positive governance impacts. Despite security challenges, limitations in governance effectiveness should prompt introspection and enhanced policy responses for the greater good.
The military engagement with Nigerians in the Nigeria Delta continues as they have now also moved into Abia state. The prevailing insecurity leads me to rate their performance quite poorly. This administration, instead of improving our situation, has exacerbated it.
The distribution of palliatives, intended to provide relief during these challenging times, has turned into a calamity. Limited food supplies are procured, prompting a large crowd to swarm the distribution, resulting in stampedes and tragic deaths. The government’s handling of palliatives has been ineffective.
A significant amount of resources has been misappropriated by those tasked with administering the palliatives. The economic management strategy, including floating the naira and removing fuel subsidies without adequate mitigation measures, has led to significant inflation. The economic management has been woeful, marked by unpredictability.
Embracing the Oronsaye report as a way forward for the country, the President’s bold move or insensitivity?
The President’s decisions, such as withdrawing fuel subsidies and floating the naira while maintaining a large cabinet, raise concerns about his commitment to prudent economic management. Despite approving the Oronsaye report, the appointments contradict its recommendations, raising doubts about the government’s seriousness.
The reversal of the National Anthem highlights misplaced priorities, symbolizing a regressive agenda. Instead of addressing pressing issues like hunger and hardship, the government engages in symbolic acts that offer little substance.
Is there a viable solution in the current situation?
The President’s actions, particularly regarding subsidy removal, underscore a disconnect with the realities faced by Nigerians. Reintroducing a transparent subsidy system could alleviate the hardships. However, the bloated administration’s lack of commitment and transparency poses a significant challenge.
Comparing the practices of former President Buhari and the current administration reveals issues of honesty and efficiency. Addressing the economic challenges requires a more focused and responsible approach, including downsizing the cabinet.
What are your thoughts on the persistent insecurity issue?
The reluctance of successive governments to address insecurity stems from vested interests and a lack of political will. Detachment from the impacts of insecurity perpetuates inaction, requiring a shift towards decisive measures treating it as a criminal issue rather than a political one.
Is the National Assembly’s proposal to reintroduce regional government advantageous?
Reviving the regional system provides an opportunity for improved governance based on historical precedents. Embracing a parliamentary system can enhance accountability and prevent unilateral decisions by the executive, aligning with the country’s best interests.
Advocates for the return to a functional parliamentary system should expedite the process as swiftly as changes like the recent alteration of the national anthem.
What is your take on the underdevelopment and fund mismanagement at the local government level?
Governors’ control and manipulation of local government funds hinder development and autonomy. The misuse of these funds for personal and political gains perpetuates underdevelopment. Autonomous local governments are essential to break this cycle and promote genuine progress.
Addressing the deep-rooted issues requires a fundamental shift in the governance structure to prioritize the welfare of citizens and effective local governance.
Since 2002, there has been ongoing debate about the autonomy of local governments. Forget about what the President is currently doing concerning the governors and their efforts to grant autonomy to LGs. It’s worth noting that when the President was a governor of Lagos State, he did not grant autonomy to Lagos LGs. One may wonder, at what point did he realize the need for LG autonomy? Achieving local government autonomy seems unattainable if a parliamentary system of government is not in place. The current presidential democracy we are practicing may not yield any fruitful outcomes.
The Organised Labour and the government have been locked in a dispute over the increase in minimum wage. Is the demand of a N250,000 increment by Labour justified? Labour’s demand is justified considering the extravagant spending habits observed, like the National Assembly members purchasing luxury cars worth N160 million. The demands put forth by Labour unions are reasonable, especially given the lack of fiscal prudence displayed by the President, such as excessive delegations to Dubai. With the rising cost of living in Nigeria, including expensive school fees and basic commodities, Labour’s demands stand to reason.
When it comes to state governors not implementing the N30,000 minimum wage, one might question their capacity to meet the new wage demanded by Labour. The issue lies in the lack of transparency and accountability in governance. Some governors prioritize personal expenditures over the welfare of civil servants, exploiting the loopholes within the presidential system to enrich themselves.
As for Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State, his performance in the past 12 months has been commendable. His focus on infrastructural development and agricultural sector improvements has resonated positively with the people. Nevertheless, there are areas, such as fair distribution of resources and handling of the State House of Assembly crisis, where improvement is needed to fully serve the state.
Regarding the security concerns raised by Plateau youth groups about the occupation of communities by terrorists, it’s indeed a worrying situation. The government must take decisive action to address this issue by engaging key stakeholders with security expertise to strategize on tackling the security challenges effectively and mobilizing the populace to be vigilant.