Nasir el-Rufai’s political shift to the SDP has sparked concerns, especially following his son’s alarming threats of violence in Southern Kaduna. His governance is marked by rising violence, threats against critics, and a dismal record on security. Underneath a façade of pluralism, questions remain about his legacy and motives in the political landscape of Nigeria.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai recently switched from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His son, Bashir, alarmingly commented that continued attacks on indigenous Fulani herdsmen would lead to violence in Southern Kaduna. This statement reflects a refusal to address community coexistence issues, promotes violence, and signals a disregard for innocent lives.
In January 2019, close to presidential elections, el-Rufai’s benefactor, President Muhammadu Buhari, controversially removed Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, resulting in international condemnation. El-Rufai’s response included a threatening remark about foreign observers, highlighting a dangerous ‘anti-meddling’ diplomatic stance within his family.
Abubakar Idris, a critic of el-Rufai, was last seen on August 2, 2019, after making comments against the ruling APC. His disappearance has led to ongoing calls for his return under the hashtag WhereIsDadiyata. Bashir el-Rufai’s other tweets suggest a complacency regarding the dangers posed by political dissent.
Nasir el-Rufai pledged to combat insecurity when he took office in 2015, but his tenure is marked by the opposite reality. Critics faced severe repercussions; some had their homes demolished, and leading opposition figures like the Agwam Adara were murdered. El-Rufai’s administration failed to guarantee safety, leading to a heightened body count and notoriety for violence against journalists and religious leaders.
Statistics illustrate el-Rufai’s governance concerning mass-casualty incidents. Reports show Kaduna State experienced a dramatic rise in violence between 2015 and 2021, surpassing Borno State, known for Boko Haram atrocities. Notably, Kaduna’s fatalities rose from 411 in 2015 to 1,114 in 2021, with a grim tally continuing into 2022.
The longstanding sectarian violence and ethnic divisions in Kaduna worsened under el-Rufai’s leadership. His administration was accused of facilitating a campaign against Southern Kaduna’s non-Muslim populations. Early in his term, he controversially defended the actions of Fulani herdsmen and dismissed banditry as mere criminality.
In 2023, as Nasir el-Rufai exited office, statistics showed a substantial drop in mass-casualty incidents, with 413 killings recorded. This change appears to correlate directly with new leadership. El-Rufai’s notorious reputation for political violence remains well-documented, cementing his legacy as a politician exhibiting “morbidly toxic” intolerance.
Despite these events, el-Rufai aims to reinvent his image as a pluralistic leader. Critics warn that allying with him poses significant risks, given his history and the violence he has endorsed or ignored during his political ascendancy.
As a legal scholar, Chidi Odinkalu encourages dialogue on these crucial issues via various social media platforms, following the discontinuation of public commentary on their original website.
Nasir el-Rufai’s tenure as Governor of Kaduna State is characterized by rising violence, threats to political dissent, and a legacy of fear. His recent political shift to the SDP has prompted alarm due to past comments urging violence against certain communities. Historical comparisons indicate a significant worsening of violence in Kaduna under his leadership, surpassing even the turmoil in Borno State, known for Boko Haram’s activities. Despite an effort to rebrand his political image, the enduring implications of his rule on sectarian divides raise concerns about his true intentions moving forward.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
