Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s recent political shift raises concerns due to his divisive rhetoric and violent history. His tenure was marked by increased violence and repression against dissenters, leading to Kaduna overtaking Borno as the deadliest state for mass atrocities. The implications of his actions continue to reverberate as he seeks a new political identity.
The recent departure of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) marks a pivotal shift in his political journey. This shift was accompanied by a chilling statement from his son, Bashir el-Rufai, warning of violence against Southern Kaduna residents if they attack Fulani herdsmen. This statement highlights a troubling absence of attempts to address community coexistence, a disturbing reliance on violence, and the indiscriminate nature of threats against those perceived as adversaries.
In January 2019, as Nigeria approached presidential elections, el-Rufai’s benefactor, Muhammadu Buhari, controversially removed Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, prompting severe international criticism. El-Rufai’s subsequent threat to foreign observers who might interfere conveyed a stark message about his aggressive stance on foreign involvement in Nigerian politics. As reported by Africa Report, these statements reflect an unsettling trend within the el-Rufai family regarding violence and intimidation.
Abubakar Idris, an outspoken critic of the APC, disappeared in August 2019, a case linked to the broader climate of fear fostered by the el-Rufai administration. El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, later tweeted ominously about the consequences of “dangerous lies,” suggesting a pattern of targeting dissenters, a notion echoed by his brother, Bello, who revealed a troubling inclination towards celebrating violence.
Upon assuming the governorship in 2015, el-Rufai claimed to prioritize the safety of citizens, professing intentions to collaborate with law enforcement to combat violence. However, his tenure was marked by the opposite outcome, characterized by widespread human rights abuses and a violent suppression of dissent. Notable acts of aggression included demolishing homes of political opponents, exacerbating an atmosphere of terror.
The Kaduna State under Nasir el-Rufai gained infamy for its alarming levels of violence against journalists and religious leaders. Statistics reveal that, as violence escalated, Kaduna became the deadliest state for both journalists and clergy. El-Rufai’s governance was further defined by the alarming spikes in mass-casualty events, culminating in Kaduna surpassing Borno State in recorded atrocities.
By 2021, Kaduna State recorded the highest rates of violence in Nigeria. This escalation can be attributed to systematic sectarian tensions deliberately cultivated under el-Rufai’s administration, leading to a stark division between religious communities. Critics accuse his regime of remaining silent in the face of ethnic-targeted violence, particularly in Southern Kaduna.
Despite his claims to have funded peace initiatives to curb violence by herders, el-Rufai later attempted to downplay the responsibility of armed groups, calling them mere “independent criminals.” His term ended with a striking reduction in violence, suggesting that the alarming rates were directly linked to his governance.
El-Rufai’s reputation for intolerance and celebrating political assassinations has raised concerns about his subsequent political moves. As he attempts to reshape his public image into that of a pluralist leader, those aligning with him should exercise caution, given his history of bloodlust and political aggression.
In conclusion, the political journey of Nasir el-Rufai reflects a troubling trajectory characterized by violence, intimidation, and a stark disregard for human rights. His statements and actions during his governorship fueled sectarian tensions, leading to catastrophic violence in Kaduna State. As he attempts to rebrand himself after leaving office, the legacy of his administration raises significant concerns about his future political endeavors and the implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
