The Southern Kaduna Renewed Hope Movement has condemned former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s comments on the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The group accused El-Rufai of attempting to discredit the NSA.
The Southern Kaduna Renewed Hope Movement made the assertion on Sunday in a statement by its national coordinator, Mr. Yusuf Kanhu.
The group was reacting to old statements made by Ribadu concerning President Bola Tinubu, which were recently released by El-Rufai.
“Ribadu, in his current position, is a seasoned statesman who has long moved beyond past episodes, embracing the broader and more demanding role of safeguarding Nigeria’s national security.
“On the other hand, it is essential to interrogate the motive behind the re-emergence of this outdated clip,” the statement said.
He noted that the answer lies in the pattern of vendetta politics and personal grudges that El-Rufai notoriously exhibited over the years.
According to him, El-Rufai has built a reputation for his reckless and divisive utterances, unrestrained attacks on his perceived political adversaries, and a leadership style deeply entrenched in mafia-like tactics.
“His disdain for opposing views and his willingness to tear down anyone who does not align with his personal ambitions have been well-documented.
“El-Rufai’s history is replete with instances of open hostility and inflammatory rhetoric against both politicians and religious institutions.
“His infamous threats to opponents, provocative statements targeting religious leaders, and habitual resort to controversial and incendiary remarks stand as glaring evidence of his combative approach to politics.
“A case in point was his infamous remark that any soldier who kills a Fulani man has signed his own death warrant — an assertion that fueled ethnic and religious tensions at a critical time in Nigeria’s security landscape.”
The Southern Kaduna leader stated that El-Rufai’s tenure as governor was marked by the marginalization of certain sections of the state, divisive policies, and a blatant disregard for inclusive governance, adding that he masterminded the Muslim-Muslim ticket in Kaduna while publicly humiliating the people of Southern Kaduna.
He explained that El-Rufai’s administration was characterized by heavy-handedness, demolition of properties with little regard for human suffering, and an unwavering disposition towards silencing dissenting voices.
Even at the national level, he opined that his actions led to a moment where the National Assembly once banned him from holding public office due to concerns about his governance style and perceived authoritarianism, saying that yet, he remains on the political scene, seeking every opportunity to undermine those he sees as obstacles to his agenda.
Kanhu stated that since failing to land a national assignment in Tinubu’s government, El-Rufai has continued to work towards bringing those he perceives as enemies down.
“Nigeria’s security challenges demand serious attention and attempts to derail the focus of the NSA should not be tolerated.
“Ribadu’s mandate is clear—ensuring national security and combating threats to the country’s stability. So, engaging in baseless distractions is a disservice to the nation and plays into the hands of those who do not wish Nigeria well,” he explained.
He said that the attempt to use a dated video to malign Nuhu Ribadu must be seen for what it is — another desperate attempt by El-Rufai to settle personal scores and destabilize a competent officer of the government.
