NASIR AHMED EL-RUFAI: A VICTOR OR VALIANT? NIGERIANS DESERVE LEADERS WHO RESPECT HUMAN DIGNITY AND UNITY
BY:
COMR. Euclid Ammel Dabo
The Former Kaduna State Governor and ex-FCT Minister, Mallam. Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai recently appeared on Channels TV and dismissed critics, pronouncing publicly that he “doesn’t care what his enemies think and that Southern Kaduna consists of just 25% of Kaduna State’s population, hence the results of his policies and reforms.”
Such comments are misguided, disgusting and deeply disrespectful to the people of Southern Kaduna and they reflect Nasir El-Rufai's archaic/nomadic worldview, a pattern of divisive philosophy and utterances that really deserve a thunderous response from the peaceful, law-abiding members of all Southern Kaduna communities come 2027. Results from the polls will definitely teach the likes of El-Rufai more about the Southern Kaduna people.
As a proud son of Southern Kaduna and a voice for justice, I cannot stay silent. This is not about politics or party interest; it is about human dignity and our collective future as a people. Let's talk about Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai's sins against Southern Kaduna, Kaduna people and Nigeria as a nation:
1️. Paying Armed Groups Instead of Protecting Citizens: In 2016, Mallam. Nasir El-Rufai admitted paying some Fulani herders who were linked to violent attacks to “stop killings” in Southern Kaduna instead of bringing criminals to justice, this rewarded violence, emboldening those who see violence as a profitable path. Is this not a betrayal of public trust from someone whose constitutional duty is to protect and defend his people from evil men?
2️. Mass Sackings that Destroyed Families: During El-Rufai's regime as Kaduna State Governor, thousands of civil servants and teachers, over 2,300 in one wave alone were dismissed under his so-called reforms. Reforms where even the DEAD wrote his screening exams and passed with good grades 🤣, real reform builds capacity; it doesn’t throw families into poverty overnight, policies from responsible governments must be people-centered and not punitive.
3️. Attempt to License Religious Preaching: El-Rufai’s government pushed a controversial preaching bill to control religious activities. Thankfully, the High Court struck it down, affirming that freedom of worship is a constitutional right. A good leader won't try to police faith or divide communities along religious lines.
4️. Education Out of Reach: In 2021, sharp tuition hikes at Kaduna State University triggered massive protests. Instead of dialogue, there were police crackdowns, injuries and even reported deaths, the educational sector should empower and not exclude our youth.
5️. Dangerous Rhetoric: His infamous “body bags” remark in 2019 remains a dark stain on his name and our politics. Leaders must unite citizens, not threaten or intimidate them, as words from respected stakeholders matter and reckless language fuels division.
6️. Financial Mismanagement Under Investigation: A few months back, the Kaduna State House of Assembly and EFCC launched investigations into Kaduna State debts and alleged mismanagement of public funds under El-Rufai's government which makes me ask the question: On what moral justification is El-Rufai parading himself as a SAVIOUR? Our people deserve full transparency and accountability.
Kaduna State is built on diversity and coexistence. Policies or statements that pit communities against each other will threaten our very foundation, words from true leaders must heal wounds and not deepen them. We demand justice for victims and no one should reward killers; jobs and empowerment for our people and not mass sackings; religious freedom should be protected by law; affordable education for every child; transparent governance where every naira must be accounted for, and last but not least, we call for responsible leadership that speaks healing and not hatred.
I remain committed to speaking truth to power and defending the dignity of all citizens, in Kaura LGA, Kaduna State and Nigeria as a nation. Our future depends on leaders who unite us as a people and not those who exploit our diversity and pluralism for their selfish gains.
Southern Kaduna’s voice must never be silenced. Together, we can build a Kaduna State where every life counts, every voice matters and every community thrives.
© E. A. DABO
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