Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has dismissed recent claims made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, regarding the security situation in the state. Omokri described el-Rufai’s statements as false and driven by frustration, accusing him of attempting to undermine the current administration due to political grievances.
El-Rufai’s Accusations Against the Federal Government
In a recent statement, el-Rufai accused the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Federal Government of failing to improve security in Kaduna. He alleged that instead of addressing the issue of banditry, the government had been paying ransoms to criminals in exchange for the release of kidnapped victims.
El-Rufai, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, has been vocal about security concerns in Kaduna and the northern region. During his tenure, the state witnessed a surge in kidnappings, attacks on communities, and clashes between armed groups. However, his recent comments have sparked controversy, with Omokri accusing him of misleading the public for political reasons.
Omokri’s Response: “A Frustrated Man Spreading Lies”
Reacting to el-Rufai’s claims, Omokri fired back, stating that the former governor was spreading falsehoods because he was bitter about his diminishing influence in Kaduna politics. He alleged that el-Rufai had hoped to maintain control over the state through his successor but was now frustrated after being sidelined.
Omokri criticized el-Rufai’s record on security, claiming that during his eight years in office, no major bandit leader was arrested, killed, or convicted. He contrasted this with the Tinubu administration, under which he said over 14 notorious bandit leaders had been eliminated. He listed several of them, including Kachalla Ali Kawaje, Kachalla Halilu Sububu, Kachalla Damina, and Kachalla Dangote, among others.
Improved Security in Kaduna?
Omokri argued that with the elimination of these bandit leaders, Kaduna had witnessed a significant reduction in violence. He claimed that there were no longer images of government officials holding meetings with armed bandits in broad daylight, as allegedly occurred under el-Rufai’s administration.
He further stated that the killings in Southern Kaduna, which were widely criticized as ethnically and religiously motivated attacks, had reduced significantly. According to him, the previous administration’s failure to address these crises contributed to el-Rufai’s negative legacy.
Corruption Allegations Against El-Rufai
Omokri also pointed to the corruption allegations el-Rufai is currently facing. He referenced the recent indictment of the former governor by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, where all 34 members reportedly found him guilty of financial misconduct, including theft and money laundering.
He urged Nigerians to disregard el-Rufai’s criticisms of the Federal Government, describing him as a “drowning man” who was trying to bring others down with him.
El-Rufai’s Controversial Legacy
El-Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial politicians. While his supporters praise his infrastructural projects and economic policies, his critics accuse him of worsening religious tensions in Kaduna. The Southern Kaduna crisis, in particular, has been a major stain on his record, with accusations that he failed to protect Christian communities from attacks by armed groups.
Additionally, el-Rufai has often been criticized for his blunt remarks and confrontational style of governance. His recent public statements against the Tinubu administration suggest that he remains active in political discussions despite leaving office.
The Larger Political Picture
El-Rufai’s allegations and Omokri’s response reflect the growing political tensions within Nigeria’s leadership circles. Many former governors and political figures have engaged in public disagreements over governance, security, and economic policies.
As the Tinubu administration continues to address security challenges across the country, it remains to be seen whether the allegations made by el-Rufai will influence public perception or if Omokri’s dismissal of his claims will hold more weight.
For now, Nigerians remain divided on the issue, with some questioning the government’s security strategies, while others believe that efforts are being made to combat criminal activities more effectively
