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"Sunday Dare Responds: 'I Never Stabbed President Tinubu in the Back'"

 By Achimi Muktari 

In a candid interview on Thursday, October 31, newly appointed presidential adviser, Sunday Dare, addressed speculation about his loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, following his previous role under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Dare firmly denied allegations of betrayal, insisting that his new appointment as Tinubu’s special adviser on public communications and orientation was fully endorsed by the Nigerian leader.

Dare, who previously served as the Minister of Sports and Youth Development in the Buhari administration, emphasized that his relationship with Tinubu has always been grounded in mutual respect and trust, dismissing any notion of disloyalty.

“For every appointment I took, I had his [Tinubu’s] endorsement,” Dare explained. “Before I went to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), I had his blessing. I never stabbed him. That was a call to national duty, and it was not without his knowledge and support.”

National Duty, Not Betrayal

Dare’s statements come amidst growing curiosity about his transition from working under the Buhari administration to now serving President Tinubu, a mentor he has known for years. His appointment as a special adviser marks a return to Tinubu's inner circle, having previously served as his chief of staff during Tinubu’s time as governor of Lagos State.

When questioned about whether his role in Buhari’s government was seen as a betrayal, Dare was quick to defend his actions as part of his commitment to national service. "It was a national duty, and I had his blessings," he reiterated. “I have never acted against his interests.”

Dare’s remarks also touched on the broader political environment, calling on Nigerians to have patience with Tinubu’s administration, especially as the country navigates critical reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies.

Supporting Tinubu’s Tough Decisions

Praising Tinubu’s leadership, Dare argued that the removal of subsidies was necessary to prevent a small group of wealthy elites from profiting at the expense of the nation. "Tinubu deserves credit for making these tough decisions. The subsidy removal was critical to stop certain people from exploiting the system for personal gain,” he said.

Dare’s comments align with the administration's messaging on key economic reforms that have been met with mixed reactions from the public. He called for Nigerians to give the president’s policies time to take effect, insisting that Tinubu’s government is working for the greater good of the nation.

Loyalty Through the Years

Dare’s long-standing relationship with President Tinubu stretches back to the early 2000s when he worked closely with the then-governor of Lagos State. His reappointment into Tinubu’s administration is seen by many as a vote of confidence in his loyalty and capabilities.

As the country watches the unfolding dynamics of the Tinubu administration, Sunday Dare’s new role will be closely scrutinized for how effectively he navigates public opinion and communicates the government’s vision.

In the meantime, Dare remains adamant about one thing: his unwavering loyalty to the man he has served for decades. "I have never betrayed Tinubu, and I never will," he concluded.