Who Is Afraid Of El-Rufai? -By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua

Malam Nasiru Elrufai,former governor of Kaduna State and chieftain of African Democratic Congress,(ADC) has stirred a hornet nest with an interview granted to Channel Television “politics today”. Elrufai spoke on wide range of topics ranging from national politics and the economy. However, what enthralled and put Elrufai on collision course with his opponents are the allegation of marginalisation of southern kaduna people throughout his eight years in power and the allegation that the federal government is settling bandits to stop them from attacking communities. Since the interview that went viral and watched by over 20 thousands viewers,Nasiru Elrufai,has continued to receive knocks or barrage of responses from presidency and those who have disagreed with him.The presidency has denied payments or settlement of bandits through the office of national security adviser,Nuhu Ribadu,as alleged by Elrufai. This rebuttal came from Bayo Onanuga, special adviser, information and strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other defenders of the presidency.

In Kaduna State where Elrufai was governor for eight years,some of his appointees who fallout with him from southern kaduna extraction like Ben Kure, in a televised interview, lambasted him for unfair treatment of their Area despite the facts, they worked and campaigned for his election.The interview and counter interview was immediately followed by the releasing of an old video clip where Elrufai was seen and heard stating that he had to settle foreign fulani mercenaries to stop them from attacking southern kaduna people. The sharing of the video clip and other scathing rejoinder from Uba Sani appointees left Elrufai at the defensive. Malam Nasiru Elrufai was a card carrying member of APC until he resigned his membership and joined Social Democracy Party (SDP). Elrufai explained that, the APC he helped to build has derailed from its core ideologies. It can be recalled, before his abrupt resignation,Elrufai was a ministerial nominee from Kaduna State. Unfortunately, Elrufai can not scale the senate screening. The senate cited petition against him as the main reason. This narrative was also debunked by Elrufai who blamed Tinubu for changing his mind.

Malam Nasiru Elrufai is one of the intelligent,articulated and bravest public servant in Nigeria’s history. He is an accidental public servant to borrow from his book.He always argues with facts and figures. His life is marked by patriotism and courage to speak to those in power, point their mistakes and offers them constructive advices. Elrufai is a technocrat of great repute. In 1999, after Nigeria returned to democracy and president Obasanjo was hunting for talents,Malam Nasiru Elrufai,was spotted and appointed DG bureau of public enterprises (BPE). El-rufai as DG BPE ,performed exceptionally good leading to transparent sales of government assets. When Obasanjo won his second term in 2003,he appointed Elrufai as FCT minister. During his screening, Elrufai accused some senators for demanding bribe before they could clear him. His tenure as FCT minister was dogged by controversies. In a bid to restore Abuja ‘s master plan, Elrufai stepped on the toes of powerful people. He was not disturbed by critics of his policies. He carried out demolition exercise which pave the way for robust infrastructural development in FCT.

Even after he left office,Nasiru Elrufai, has never relented in calling spade a spade. He criticised both Yar’Adua and Jonathan administrations ways of handling the country’s economy. Elrufai’s desire or commitment for good governance did not spare Buhari administration that he helped to install. He had met late President Muhammadu Buhari several times and drew his attention on some policies that were inimical to the growth and development of Nigeria. At the tail end of Buhari administration,when attempt was made to redesign our currencies, Elrufai stood firm and challenged the status quo.The naira redesign policy will have nailed the coffin of APC and led to its defeat in the 2023 general elections. If Elrufai, as a founding member of APC,can criticise Buhari administration,one can not expect him to keep quiet under Tinubu’s government. Besides,constructive criticism is an ingredient of democracy. Criticism alerts government’s weaknesses and put it on right pedestal.

Moreover, Elrufai’s tenure in Kaduna State was remarkable. He transformed the state to the envy of many. His infrastructural development is unique. He carried out institutional reforms which led to seamless government operations.Notwithstanding,Nasiru,El-rufai,has been often misquoted,painted black and his statement twisted by his critics. For instance,there is no iota of truth that,he had settled bandits during his time as governor. In his interview,Elrufai was reported to have said:”after the post 2011 elections crises,some foreign fulani who were on transit were attacked in southern kaduna. Some of them along with their cattles were killed. He further stated that, he met the killers fulani and pleaded with them to stop the attacks.The Fulani responded that they had lost many lives during the crises which could not be brought back to life. But the state government can compesate them based on the cattles or animals they lost.This assertion was twisted, exaggerated and painted with ethnic/religious colouration by fifth columnist in other to achieve political goals.

Those who believed Elrufai had paid bandits during his time as governor are living in another world. He has repeatedly said, the only repented bandit, is the one who dropped death. Instead of accusing Elrufai for pampering bandits, including settling them,the government should expedite action through nipping into bud the menace of banditry and other security challenges in the country.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State.08169056963.