By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna state chapter, has observed with concern the recent political developments involving former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his strained relationship with the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani which he once promoted.
A statement issued by the forum state chairman, Daniel Ejembi said, “As a forum committed to justice, accountability, and the welfare of the people of Kaduna State, we find it necessary to address the moral and ethical implications of El-Rufai’s actions and inactions.”
In the buildup to the 2023 general elections, the forum noted, “Nasir El-Rufai was one of the loudest voices in the All Progressives Congress (APC), campaigning tirelessly for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Uba Sani. He presented these individuals as the saviors Nigeria and Kaduna State needed, often portraying them as saints with impeccable leadership credentials.
“El-Rufai described Tinubu as a “visionary leader” and a “nation builder” with a proven track record of excellence. He often cited Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State as evidence of his capacity to replicate similar successes at the national level.”
In one of his campaign speeches, according to the statement, El-Rufai said, “Tinubu is the leader Nigeria needs at this critical time. He has the experience, the vision, and the team to fix this country.”
Ejembi stated that El-Rufai was equally effusive in his praise for Uba Sani, his chosen successor in Kaduna State, portraying Sani as a “competent and compassionate leader” who would build on the foundations he had laid, adding that El-Rufai once stated that Uba Sani is not just a politician but a servant-leader who understands the needs of the people, as Kaduna will be in safe hands with him.
These statements, according to the forum, among others, were instrumental in convincing many Nigerians, including the people of Kaduna State, to support Tinubu and Uba Sani. El-Rufai’s endorsement carried significant weight, given his reputation as a no-nonsense administrator and a key figure in the APC.
The forum lamented that the once-strong relationship between El-Rufai and these political figures has deteriorated, pointing out that reports of disagreements, political maneuvering, and public spats have emerged, raising questions about the authenticity of El-Rufai’s earlier endorsements.
The forum further noted, “If Tinubu and Uba Sani were indeed the saints El-Rufai portrayed them to be, why has their relationship with him soured so dramatically? And more importantly, does El-Rufai have the moral high ground to criticize them now?”
According to the statemen, “The concept of “coming to equity with clean hands” is a legal and moral principle that suggests one must approach a situation with integrity and without wrongdoing. In this context, El-Rufai’s hands are far from clean. He was a key architect of the political campaigns that brought Tinubu and Uba Sani to power. If these leaders have failed to meet expectations, El-Rufai must bear some responsibility for his role in promoting them.”
El-Rufai’s failure to acknowledge his role in the current political situation, according to the forum raises serious questions about his character, suggested that El-Rufai’s intellectual prowess is undeniable and his inability to admit fault or apologize for misleading the public shows a lack of the basic virtues of humility and accountability.
Without apologizing to the people he misled, the forum stated that El-Rufai’s actions and criticisms of Tinubu and Uba Sani appear to be driven more by personal vendetta than by a genuine desire to deliver Nigerians from the pit he helped created and his refusal to acknowledge his role in the current political mess clearly shows that he is out for revenge to satisfy his ego, not to serve the people.
The Kaduna State Middle Belt Forum called on Nasir El-Rufai to apologize to the people he misled. His failure to do so suggests a lack of remorse and a disregard for the consequences of his actions, saying that instead of positioning himself as part of the solution, El-Rufai should step back and allow those with clean hands to address the problems he helped created.
“Nasir El-Rufai’s legacy is a complex one. While he has undoubtedly made significant contributions to Nigerian politics, his role in promoting leaders who have failed to meet expectations cannot be overlooked. His inability to acknowledge his mistakes and apologize to the people he misled raises serious questions about his character and moral standing. As Nigerians grapple with the consequences of the 2023 elections, El-Rufai should take a step back, reflect on his actions, and allow those with clean hands to lead the way forward,” the forum suggested.
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