The Northwest Democracy Monitoring Group (NDMG) has urged former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai to take responsibility for his handling of insecurity during his tenure rather than faulting President Bola Tinubu over the region’s challenges.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by its chairman, Comrade Abubakar Sani, the group accused El-Rufai of attempting to shift blame for the Northwest’s security crisis while ignoring his own track record.
Sani said: “It is imperative that Mr. El-Rufai confronts his vulnerabilities and insecurities, which seem to have intensified in the absence of his official powers. We urge him to refrain from meddling in security matters, a domain in which he has previously demonstrated a troubling lack of foresight and accountability.
“It is crucial to remind Mr. El-Rufai that the security crisis currently plaguing the Northwest has roots that extend back to his tenure as governor, during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Under his watch, the seeds of insecurity were sown, and the situation escalated alarmingly while he remained at the helm.
“His refusal to allow meaningful security summits in Kaduna State, gatherings that could have produced actionable solutions to the growing turmoil, has left a legacy of negligence that cannot be overlooked.
“Mr. El-Rufai’s recent attempts to shift blame onto President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the deteriorating security situation are not only disingenuous but also indicative of a deeper malaise, one characterized by a propensity for self-preservation at the expense of truth.
“It is disheartening to witness a former leader, who once wielded significant influence, resort to shameless rhetoric that seeks to absolve him of responsibility for the chaos that unfolded under his governance.
“At the heart of Mr. El-Rufai’s behavior lies a complex interplay of personal ambition and strategic maneuvering. His history of controversial statements and actions suggests an inclination towards populism, where sensational claims serve to bolster his image as a tough, no-nonsense leader. However, this approach has detrimental consequences, creating an environment of mistrust that inhibits effective governance.
“The accusations leveled by Mr. El-Rufai reflect a broader societal issue, one rooted in psychological factors that may stem from his own childhood trauma. While the narrative of a leader shaped by personal struggles can elicit sympathy, it cannot excuse the ramifications of dishonesty in public office. Such leaders often project their insecurities onto their constituents, perpetuating a cycle of distrust that undermines the very fabric of governance.
“Mr. El-Rufai’s recent comments regarding the Federal Government’s approach to banditry illustrate the dangers of political rhetoric divorced from reality. By framing the government’s actions as complicit with bandits, he misrepresents the complexities of national security and distracts from the tangible progress being made in combating violence.
“The call for citizens to refrain from financially supporting kidnappers and bandits, a message echoed by the Federal Government, underscores the necessity of a united front against criminality. His divisive rhetoric risks undermining collective efforts to restore safety and stability in affected regions.
“Furthermore, Mr. El-Rufai’s assertion that the Federal Government is facilitating banditry through financial support and non-kinetic measures, which he has pejoratively termed a “kiss-the-bandits policy,” raises critical questions about his credibility as a leader.
“This sensational rhetoric stands in stark contrast to the grim realities of violence and insecurity that characterized Kaduna State during his administration. The statistics are telling: 1,192 deaths and over 3,348 kidnappings occurred under his watch, painting a picture of a leadership grappling with an escalating crisis.
“In contrast to Mr. El-Rufai’s claims, the Federal Government has initiated security operations that have led to the release of over 11,000 hostages and the neutralization of numerous bandit leaders. This juxtaposition highlights a dissonance between Mr. El-Rufai’s narrative and the tangible outcomes achieved by federal security forces.
“Rather than engaging in baseless accusations, it would serve him and the people of Kaduna State better to acknowledge the realities of the situation and contribute constructively to the discourse surrounding security.”
The group urged El-Rufai to embrace self-reflection and take responsibility for his role in the current security landscape.
He added, “We call upon Mr. El-Rufai to engage in a moment of introspection. It is time for him to confront the vulnerabilities and insecurities that have clouded his judgment and to recognize the detrimental impact of his rhetoric on the collective efforts to restore peace and stability in the Northwest.
“In light of these considerations, we urge you, Mr. El-Rufai, to engage in a period of reflection. It is time to acknowledge your role in the current security landscape and to take responsibility for the consequences of your actions while in office.
“Your penchant for hyperbole may serve as a defense mechanism, a means of asserting control in a chaotic political environment. However, the consequences of such a strategy are profound. By distorting the truth and fostering divisive narratives, you risk alienating the very constituents you once vowed to serve.”
