It is not news, that Solomon Dalung continues to divide opinion on the Plateau. Many consider him astute, savvy and in-genious, while others disdain and loathe him as a “sell-out” , an “opportunist” and an “apologist of people who seek  to takeover Plateau”. Well, which ever way you view Solomon Dalung, there is no denying the scale of his ambition and the dexterity with which he continues to thrust himself into national relevance.

Having been appointed minister by Buhari, Dalung has been working assiduously, transforming his image from that of a lowly Plateau politician, into one of a national icon who is a champion of ordinary citizens/the masses.

How is Dalung doing this? 

Well, Dalung has crafted and is implementing a clever strategy of actively wooing and engaging ordinary citizens, particularly those in the Northern parts of Plateau and Northern Nigeria.

He’d meet and parley with ordinary citizens in very casual settings where no other politician ventures (e.g., motor parks, Mai-shayi joints etc) and would interact with them on very personal levels – calling them by their first names in some instances etc. This clever strategy gives the impression that, even though a minister of the Federal Republic, he remains an ordinary citizen (uncorrupted by the spoils of power) and that he is their champion and can be trusted. So essentially, he’d hold parleys with them, and then utilises the power of social media (Facebook) to disseminate and cascade videos of such encounters – giving the impression of a real statesman.

Even though many would dismiss this move as mere propaganda, the reality of it is that, such videos make him look like a strong leader, a peace-maker, a detribalised Nigerian, a trustworthy politician and even a potential Governor. I know some may think the assertions here are far-fetched – and so I challenge you to watch a few of the videos and judge the body language of the people interacting with him and see the approbation and approval he receives.

Is the strategy working?

As it stands, Dalung’s relevance and growing influence is matching and in some cases, exceeding that of the some of the political big weights in the Plateau. He appears to be rising above local Plateau politics and is being thrusted into national influence. Not since Ibrahim Nasir Mantu (and Solomon Lar before him), has a Plateau politician tried to gain such national appeal. Now, I am not suggesting he is at that level yet, but he sure appears to be striving to it.

To illustrate how Dalung is starting to play the role of a statesman (and appearing very gubernatorial in so doing), consider when recently ASUU staff of the University of Jos, were on strike and the minister left his abode in Abuja and travelled to Jos to broker peace between the disagreeing factions. Such a commendable action undertaken, not by the Minister of Education, nor the Governor of the state, but by a minister with a completely different portfolio (Sports), means he is acting well beyond his portfolio – something only real (or aspiring) statesmen do.

Additionally, with the fire inferno at Kano central market last week, Dalung was quick to schedule a visit to commiserate with the traders and ordinary citizens at the market. He made a video of the encounter and it’s already going viral on social media. Again, this is outside his remit as Minister of Sport, but something he has taken on and done because he is trying to build his profile.

Dr. Chinan Mclean

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Solomon Dalung: Why it is unwise to ignore his strides and schemings