In a move that has stirred both public and political interest, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, the eldest son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed support for a thorough investigation into his father’s administration. However, he has emphasised that such an inquiry must be conducted with a commitment to transparency and fairness, not political motivations.
In a candid interview with BBC Hausa Service on Saturday, Mohammed, who currently serves as a lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, said, “I am not against a probe into my father’s tenure as governor. Accountability is important for the advancement of our state and country, but any investigation must be free from political manipulation.”
The statement comes at a time when the political atmosphere in Kaduna State has been charged, with the rift between the former governor and the current governor, Uba Sani, drawing significant attention from both the media and the public. Mohammed’s comments, however, seem to seek a middle ground, distancing himself from the growing tensions while focusing on governance issues in his constituency.
The Need for Unbiased Accountability
Mohammed’s support for the investigation into his father’s tenure stems from his belief in the importance of accountability in governance. “If this probe is about finding the truth and uncovering facts, then I support it,” he said. “But it should not be a political tool for those seeking to settle personal scores.”
His remarks reflect a growing concern among many Nigerians about the increasing use of probes and investigations as political instruments. Over the years, various state and federal investigations have been criticized for their lack of neutrality and their use in weakening political opponents rather than achieving genuine accountability.
“Politics in Nigeria has often been reduced to personal vendettas, where probes become weapons in the hands of those seeking to gain power rather than those interested in making the system better,” Mohammed added. This statement reflects a broader concern among Nigerians, particularly in political circles, about the misuse of governmental powers.
A Divided State: The Rift Between El-Rufai and Uba Sani
At the heart of this political conversation is the relationship between Mohammed’s father, Nasir El-Rufai, and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. There have been reports of a simmering “cold war” between the two figures, with El-Rufai’s influence in the state still being felt despite his departure from office.
“Some people love to see my father and Governor Sani embroiled in conflict,” Mohammed remarked. “But it’s not as dramatic as the media portrays it. It is not my responsibility to reconcile them; that is something only they can address.” He likened the situation to the rivalry seen between legendary Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, adding, “The media often exaggerates these rifts.”
For many in Kaduna, the ongoing tension between the two former allies is a symbol of a deeper divide in the state’s political landscape. The fallout from El-Rufai’s tenure has left some questioning the trajectory of governance under Sani, while others see the rift as a reflection of personal and ideological differences between the two men.
Despite this, Mohammed chose not to engage directly in the conflict, opting instead to focus on his role as a lawmaker. “My priority is the people I represent in Kaduna North. I am not here to mediate in a political dispute,” he said.
Mohammed El-Rufai’s Vision for Governance
In his comments, Mohammed emphasized that his commitment to his constituents and the development of Kaduna North remains paramount. “The people of my constituency elected me to serve them. My focus is on improving their lives, ensuring that the federal government’s policies benefit them, and securing a better future for the younger generation,” he explained.
While his support for a probe into his father’s tenure is notable, his insistence on keeping his personal and family matters separate from his political responsibilities underscores his dedication to serving his constituents rather than engaging in the divisive issues that dominate state politics.
Mohammed’s statements also highlight the growing trend of younger politicians asserting their independence from the legacies of their parents or predecessors. This trend is particularly significant in a country like Nigeria, where political dynasties often shape the landscape of governance.
Background to the Probe: A Sign of Political Maturity or an Agenda?
The call for an investigation into El-Rufai’s tenure is not a new one. Since the end of his time in office, several critics have called for transparency in how funds were spent during his administration, particularly in infrastructure and security-related projects. These calls have grown louder as the current administration under Governor Uba Sani seeks to solidify its hold on power in the state.
However, political analysts have warned that any probe into El-Rufai’s tenure should be handled with caution. “While it is crucial for the people of Kaduna to understand how state resources were utilized during El-Rufai’s administration, the use of such investigations for political gain would only serve to destabilize the state further,” said political analyst Dr. Kemi Alabi.
The probe could also have broader implications for Nigerian politics, especially as it touches on issues such as political accountability, governance transparency, and the role of media in shaping political narratives.
The Media’s Role in Shaping the Narrative
The media, particularly in Kaduna, has played a significant role in amplifying the rift between El-Rufai and Governor Sani. Some observers argue that the portrayal of the situation has been exaggerated, painting the conflict as more intense than it may actually be. Mohammed’s comments suggest that this is a common issue in Nigerian politics: the media’s tendency to sensationalize conflicts for dramatic effect.
“Some people are more interested in the drama than in the actual issues that affect the state. This is the reality we face,” Mohammed said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many Nigerians who feel that the media often oversimplifies complex political dynamics.
