The Northern Patriots Forum (NPF) has strongly condemned former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for his recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
El-Rufai, in an interview on Arise Television, alleged that President Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, played key roles in preventing his ministerial appointment.
He claimed that his failed nomination was not due to any security concerns but rather a deliberate effort by the president to exclude him.
Northern Patriots Forum Responds
Reacting to these claims, NPF Coordinator, Capt. Monday Ishakwu, released a statement, asserting that El-Rufai lacks the moral right to criticize President Tinubu after what they described as his “failed leadership” in Kaduna State.
The group emphasized that President Tinubu, in less than two years, has achieved more significant milestones than El-Rufai did in his eight-year tenure as governor.
They further accused El-Rufai of making reckless statements that tarnished his political reputation.
Security Reports and Failed Ministerial Ambition
According to the NPF, President Tinubu had initially reserved a ministerial position for El-Rufai.
However, multiple security reports labeled him a “diplomatic liability,” citing controversial past statements, including his 2019 threat to European Union election observers, where he warned that they would “return in body bags.”
The group also recalled allegations of mismanagement of ₦423 billion during his tenure as Kaduna governor, a matter that led to an indictment by the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Accusations of Religious and Political Intolerance
Furthermore, the statement pointed out El-Rufai’s alleged involvement in the 2015 Zaria Shiite Massacre, where 438 civilians were reportedly killed.
It also accused him of funding violent herdsmen linked to Southern Kaduna attacks.
Additionally, his controversial remarks about Jesus Christ and statements suggesting Christians would never vote for him were cited as reasons for his growing political unpopularity.
Final Warning from the NPF
The Northern Patriots Forum urged El-Rufai to be mindful of his statements, accusing him of being driven by envy and jealousy over Tinubu’s achievements.
They argued that his political downfall was self-inflicted due to his own conduct and divisive rhetoric.
With the NPF’s firm stance, it remains to be seen whether El-Rufai will respond to the allegations or choose to remain silent on the matter.
Leave a Reply