My current appointment not a downgrade… it’s call to national service, says Sunday Dare

Sunday Dare, a former minister of sports and youth development, says his appointment as an aide to President Bola Tinubu is not a “downgrade”.

Dare spoke on Thursday during an interview with Channels Television.

Dare served as minister of sports and youth development from 2019 to 2023 in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

On October 23, President Tinubu appointed Dare as a special adviser on public communication and orientation. He is to work with the ministry of information and national orientation.

Reacting to the public opinion that his appointment as a special adviser is a “downgrade” considering that he served as a minister in the last administration, Dare said his new role is a “call to national service”.

Dare said Tinubu has the power to “summon” anyone to play a critical role in his administration.

“It is not a downgrade. It is a call to national service. I think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can summon anyone to play a critical role,” the former minister said.

“It is a call to duty and to help in the effective administration of this country at a time like this when we are going through reforms that are necessary.

“When you look at the past, you see presidents call on Nigerians to come and play particular roles.

“It is a non-issue. What is important is that the president reposed trust in me and be part of what he is doing. That for me, it is the most critical.”

Dare said the president should be commended and supported for “taking a road less travelled by other leaders” with the removal of the petrol subsidy.

The former minister said the current hardship being faced by Nigerians is temporary.

“My focus now is the current president. How do we support this president who had shown clearly that he has chosen the road less travelled by other leaders?” Dare asked.

“Let’s be factual. You know subsidy was draining this country. A few hundred were making billions out of it.

“Every president said they would stop subsidy. None did it.

“Let’s give this man some credit. We might not like it. I acknowledge the fact that Nigerians are facing difficult times. It is just for a period.”