Solomon Dalung, the former Minister of Youths and Sports, has alleged the presence of a “cabal” within the administration of President Bola Tinubu, following the rejection of Kano State’s ministerial nominee, Dr. Maryam Shettima, also known as Shetty. Dalung made these claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program.
The controversy arose when Shetty’s name appeared on the list of ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate but was subsequently withdrawn and replaced by the name of Mariya Mahmoud.
Dalung asserted that the existence of a “cabal” in the Aso Rock is evident. He cited his own experience, noting that during his tenure as a minister, some individuals ensured he did not return to the cabinet because they described his speech as “toxic.” Dalung also claimed to have an agreement with President Muhammadu Buhari that allowed him to speak freely during his tenure as minister.
Regarding the rejection of Dr. Maryam Shettima’s nomination, Dalung questioned how a nominee from Kano State could initially appear on the list and then be informed that she was not on the list after confirmation.
When asked if he would be willing to serve under President Tinubu’s administration, Dalung expressed conditional interest, stating, “On the condition that they would not padlock this mouth.”
Solomon Dalung, originally from Plateau State, served as a cabinet minister from 2015 to 2019 during the first term of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Following his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress in April 2018, he ran for a House of Representatives seat under the banner of the Social Democratic Party but was defeated by Beni Lar of the Peoples Democratic Party.