Nyesom Wike’s aide on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka has lashed at the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung for saying that road infrastructure which the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory was embarking on does not translate to development.
Olayinka described the remarks as “a dire exhibition of a mind transitioning from psychology to psychosis”, noting that Dalung’s remark on live television was surprising even as a former Minister.
In a statement issued and made available to journalists on Friday, Olayinka posited that Dalung’s position saying that road construction does not impact the general well-being of the people, as many Nigerians do not own vehicles was highly unfortunate.
“Dalung, whose tenure as Minister of Youth and Sports was monumentally disastrous, went as far as claiming that dualisation or road construction cannot be classified as development because many Nigerians do not own cars. Such reasoning is both jaundiced and unfortunate,” Olayinka said.
Olayinka highlighted several ongoing and completed road infrastructure under Wike’s administration as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, saying Saburi–Dei Dei road, the 5km Dutse-Usuma Dam road, the War College/Army Checkpoint road, and other infrastructure projects within the Bwari Area Council. He also listed the 25km Kwaita/Yebu road in Kwali Area Council, the 11km Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo road, and the 9km Paikon Kore/Ibwa road as critical projects benefiting communities.
“In Dalung’s estimation, even these road projects, when completed, will not serve any developmental purpose. It is shocking that someone with such a shallow understanding of development was once a minister,” Olayinka remarked.
He also referenced additional projects, such as the 12km Kabusa–Ketti road, the 7km Kabusa–Takushara road, and the 15km road from the Abuja-Lokoja junction to Pia in Kwali Area Council, emphasizing their importance in connecting satellite towns and improving residents’ lives.
Olayinka further criticized Dalung’s tenure as sports minister, calling it a period marked by poor decision-making and insensitive remarks. He recalled incidents like Dalung’s response to the delayed payment of allowances for the Super Falcons during the 2016 African Women Championship and his dismissive comments on the Rio 2016 Olympics soccer team.
“Considering his track record, one should not be surprised at his wild comments. However, the concern of Nigerians, especially those close to him, should be his mental health, which increasingly appears to require urgent attention,” Olayinka concluded.
The statement reinforces the FCT administration’s commitment to road development as a cornerstone of infrastructural growth, directly addressing Dalung’s controversial claims.
