Cabal In Tinubu’s Government Are More Dangerous Than Any Other – Former Minister, Dalung

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has said that there is a cabal in the Bola Tinubu’s government with people who are more informed and sophisticated than those who formed the cabal in Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency.

In the political space, a cabal refers to highly-placed individuals in a government who have hijacked it and run it their own way.

Dalung said these individuals keep the president out of the loop, shield him from prevailing realities and ward off anyone trying to bring him up to speed.

He said while the cabal in President Buhari’s government were just after what they could get, those in Tinubu’s government have been in power for a long time, well informed, sophisticated and more dangerous.

He disclosed this during a chat with Journalist, Seun Okinbaloye in the podcast ‘Mic On.’

Dalung who was axed from Buhari’s government after the first term cited an example where some information he gave to President Buhari regarding insecurity were not readily available to him because those in position to do so were shielding him from the real situation on ground.

“Cabal exists in Nigeria’s presidency till today. Tinub has the most sophisticated cabal, worse than Buhari.” He said

“Buhari’s cabal was a group of uninformed people with little experience, that was why they were dipping their hands in everything that was available, but Tinubu’s cabal is a sophisticated group of people who have been long in power, they know power, and they are also informed. So they are more dangerous than any other cabal that I’ve ever known and seen.”

Dalung further disclsoed that he is not afraid of death and being attacked after his statement as he has survived ten assassination attempts already and believes he will one die when his time has come.

Oby Ezekwesili Blasts Tinubu’s Government: Condemns ‘Obscene Indulgence’ and Fiscal Rascality Amid National Crisis

In a scathing critique, two-time minister and former World Bank Vice President Oby Ezekwesili has lambasted the Nigerian government for its “obscene indulgence” in luxury purchases, such as the acquisition of a 16-year-old Airbus plane by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ezekwesili’s pointed remarks underscore a growing frustration with what she describes as “fiscal rascality” in a nation grappling with widespread poverty and mounting debt.

Ezekwesili did not mince words, calling out both the executive and legislative arms of government, including the National Assembly, for their continued extravagance despite Nigeria’s precarious economic situation. She emphasized that such actions are not only irresponsible but also unsustainable, warning that the government’s insensitivity to the plight of its citizens could lead to dire consequences.

The former minister highlighted the historical pattern of wasteful spending by the government, referencing her 2013 keynote speech on the Cost of Governance, which exposed the staggering allocations to the National Assembly over the years.

Ezekwesili further expressed her disappointment in the lack of accountability from the government, pointing out that despite the public outcry and calls for transparency, the lawmakers have yet to follow through on their 2013 promise of a public debate on their salaries. Her frustration is palpable as she recounts how, a decade later, Nigerians are still suffering under the same “story-story” governance, with no end in sight.

She warned that the continued disregard for the well-being of the citizens by the Nigerian political class is a ticking time bomb. She argues that the current restiveness seen in the populace, highlighted by movements like #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, is a direct result of this neglect and could escalate if the government fails to change course.

Tinubu’s Government Closes All Border Posts With Niger Republic Over Military Coup

The President Bola Tinubu-led administration through the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially announced the closure of all land borders linking Nigeria with the Niger Republic due to the recent coup d’etat in the West African country.

The NCS’ acting Controller General, Bashir Adewale, made this known on Friday during a visit to the Jibia border in Katsina.

Adewale said the decision for the total blockage of the borders was to comply with the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS)’s directive to suspend the movement of cargo until further notice.

It was reported that he added that as part of measures to ensure 100 per cent compliance, they will sensitise the border communities.

The acting Controller General said the decision was taken in the interest of peace and stability between the two countries.

Adewale said he had visited the deputy governor of Katsina State regarding the issue of the sensitisation.

In a swift response to the military coup in the Niger Republic on June 27, ECOWAS also enforced a no-flight zone over the country.

Some of the sanctions from ECOWAS are the suspension of trade, diplomacy and financial services to the country; a no-fly zone has also been declared over Niger and its military hierarchy.

The West African slammed sanctions on the coup plotters, giving them one week to give up power or face possible military intervention.

This significant move, which includes air and land border closure, is seen as a crucial reaction to the recent ascendancy of the junta, which has stirred significant unrest in the country and poses a threat to political stability within the region.