“They’d Crown Tinubu Life President in a Voice Vote”: Dalung Rips Into National Assembly, Labels Lawmakers “Emi Lokan Choristers”

 

Solomon Dalung Unleashes Fierce Criticism of National Assembly, Accuses Lawmakers of Singing Loyalty Anthems to Tinubu

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has delivered a blistering critique of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly, calling out lawmakers for what he perceives as blind allegiance to President Bola Tinubu. In remarks brimming with sarcasm and concern for the country’s democratic health, Dalung dismissed the widely used term “rubber stamp” as too mild a label for the legislative body, describing them instead as “a band of choristers” singing in praise of the executive.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with The Sun, the former minister spared no punches as he lambasted the perceived subservience of lawmakers to the presidency. According to Dalung, what is happening within the legislative chambers goes far beyond political alignment or party loyalty—it is, in his view, a dangerous descent into a personality cult that threatens constitutional governance.

“No, they are not rubber stamps,” he said pointedly. “That would be giving them too much credit. What we have now is a National Assembly that has become a choir—singing the praises of President Tinubu at every opportunity, often without regard for their constitutional responsibilities.”

Describing a particularly surreal experience, Dalung recounted a moment when lawmakers allegedly broke into what he described as a loyalty anthem during a session attended by President Tinubu. “The last one they sang,” he said with a tone of disbelief, “I had a problem with my ears. What I heard was, ‘On your dollar we shall stand. On your dollar, Tinubu, on your dollar we shall stand.’ Everyone was singing and dancing.”

He acknowledged that others present claimed to have heard different lyrics, but stood by what he heard, suggesting it symbolized the depth of submission exhibited by the legislative body.

Such behavior, Dalung argued, doesn’t merely erode the credibility of the National Assembly; it sets a precedent that could lead to serious constitutional abuses. The danger, he warned, lies in how far this legislative docility might go. “This 10th Assembly may wake up one day and, with a voice vote, amend the constitution and appoint Tinubu as life president of Nigeria,” he cautioned.

He reserved particularly strong words for Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of undermining due process by facilitating the passage of crucial national matters without adequate scrutiny. Dalung portrayed a nightmarish scenario where legislative decisions are taken with alarming haste, devoid of debate or accountability.

“Akpabio might just walk in one day and say, ‘We have a report that the constitution now appoints Tinubu as life president. Those in favour say aye.’ Before anyone could raise an objection, he would strike the gavel and declare, ‘The ayes have it.’ That’s the kind of National Assembly we are dealing with,” he lamented.

Far from being driven by democratic principles or public interest, Dalung alleged that the current assembly responds to the mere suggestion—or even imagined wishes—of the presidency. “They don’t even wait for policy proposals anymore,” he noted. “Even a dream or whisper from Tinubu is enough to mobilize legislative action. They are not rubber stamps; they are ‘Emi Lokan’ choristers.”

The term “Emi Lokan,” a Yoruba phrase meaning “It’s my turn,” gained traction during President Tinubu’s campaign and has come to symbolize his political ambition. Dalung’s reference to it in describing the lawmakers as “choristers” underscores his view that their actions are driven more by sycophantic loyalty than constitutional duty.

Political analysts and civil society organizations have previously raised concerns about the independence of the legislature, especially in times of overwhelming party dominance. Dalung’s comments add fuel to this ongoing debate, suggesting that the lines between governance and fanfare are dangerously blurred under the current assembly.

At a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, security challenges, and questions about leadership accountability, Dalung’s remarks serve as a stark warning. His explosive assertions may not sit well with the political elite, but they echo a growing sentiment among citizens who yearn for a legislature that truly represents their interests rather than one that sings on cue.

Whether Dalung’s words will trigger a broader reflection within the corridors of power remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that his critique captures a deepening anxiety over the health of Nigeria’s democracy and the role of its elected representatives in preserving or undermining it.