Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai on Tuesday stirred reactions among Nigerians on social media who are wondering if he has become an activist.
El-Rufai posted a ‘Political Update’ on X on Tuesday in which he quoted former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the importance of social services in a developing nation.
El-Rufai quoted Blair’s views on the struggles of citizens in developing nations and the critical role of public services in improving lives.
El-Rufai, who served as the governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, said, “And in a developing nation, where people struggle to put food on the table, go to school, get rudimentary healthcare, eke out an existence not a career, (social services) delivery can be the difference between life and death; or at least the difference between a life with hope and one without it.
El-Rufai added, “They (citizens) want the problems impacting their lives solved or at least mitigated. They want a higher standard of living, a better quality of life, improved healthcare and education, security. Tony Blair, British Prime Minister (1997-2007).”
El-Rufai, who had previously held positions as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (2003-2007) and Director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, has been at the center of political controversy in recent months.
Despite being nominated for a ministerial position by President Bola Tinubu in July 2023, his appointment was ultimately blocked by the Senate.
More recently, an ad hoc committee of the Kaduna State House of Assembly accused El-Rufai’s administration of financial mismanagement, alleging that ₦423 billion was syphoned during his tenure, leaving the state burdened with significant liabilities.
But El-Rufai denied allegations of corruption during his tenure, saying he is willing to swear by the Holy Quran to prove his innocence, adding, “I didn’t join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor.”
However, El-Rufai’s recent post led to backlash from Nigerians, with many questioning his legacy and motives.
Some X users have questioned the timing and relevance of El-Rufai’s words, given his controversial tenure as governor, particularly regarding his handling of security issues and the political landscape in Kaduna during his administration.
In what might be seen as a queniue question, @ogunstbest, ask El-Rufai, “Pray tell, how do you achieve something like this. How do you give the people what they want in a country like Nigeria? Give us some hints on how you’d go about it good Sir.”
“As much as I admire and respect El-Rufai, I am not gullible to the extent of being moved by this newfound activism.” @Manli44 reponsed.
“What did you do in KADUNA. Don’t come and be preaching to us. Quote the precedent you set.If not destruction of life and properties in southern Kaduna. How about the hike in school of the university. Don’t think we forget so soon.”@Celevian1 respoened.
One user, @Archimeokey, mockingly commented, “Chai. They have reduced Mallam to a motivational speaker. If you can’t make him a Minister in the Govt, make him a Minister in the Mosque. Minister na minister.”
Another user, @ubongutioh, asked El-Rufai to account for his tenure, asking, “Quote what you did in Kaduna. How many schools did you build? What lasting impact did you make in the health and education sector?”
El-Rufai’s post has also provoked bitter reactions from individuals who accused El-Rufai of ignoring serious issues that occurred during his time in office regarding allegations of religious and ethnic violence.
@theboyisgreat wrote, “Tell us about the Southerner Kaduna genocide,” referencing the ethnic and sectarian violence that plagued the state during El-Rufai’s tenure.
Another user, @Chief_Ajiji, accused him of failing to protect Christian communities, stating, “El-Rufai, while you were a governor, Christians were martyred in unprecedented numbers under your watch. What exactly did you do to prevent that? Nothing!”
Responding to El-Rufai’s tweet, @Jfadconsult responded, saying, “Suddenly you’re a saint? Didn’t you go all out to ensure this current administration was elected or selected (whichever word suffices!) Haba, have some shame and keep QUIET!”
While El-Rufai is yet to respond to the blacklash, he did, however, promise last year to return to politics in 2027, when the next general election will take place, and complete his political studies.
“I intend to return to politics in 2027 after completing my studies. There is no retirement in politics. By the will of Allah, we will return and continue serving the people,” El-Rufai declared in an interview on Freedom Radio Kaduna.(Guardian)
