The Presidency has denied claims that the Federal Government imported thallium sulphate into Nigeria, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
Mr Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said there was no government procurement or importation of thallium through the office of the National Security Adviser.
Ajayi was reacting to claims made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who had alleged that a toxic substance was imported into the country from Poland through the office of the National Security Adviser.
In a strongly worded statement, Ajayi insisted that the allegation was untrue and urged El-Rufai to make public the response he reportedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Ajayi said El-Rufai was aware that there was no such government action but chose to release his own letter to the public without sharing the official reply.
According to him, “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai knew there was no government procurement or importation of thallium sulphate into Nigeria from Poland through the office of the National Security Adviser.”
He added that El-Rufai had written to the Office of the National Security Adviser and received a reply. Ajayi said if the former governor was being fair, he should release the official response just as he released his own letter.
The controversy centres on thallium sulphate, a highly toxic chemical compound historically used as a pesticide and rodent poison in some countries. Because of its dangerous nature, the substance is heavily regulated worldwide. Its mention in political debate has raised concerns among members of the public.
However, the Presidency has maintained that there was no government involvement in importing such a substance.
Ajayi accused El-Rufai of attempting to create political tension in the country by spreading misinformation.
He claimed that the former governor had two intentions. First, he alleged that El-Rufai wanted to create fear and unrest in order to damage the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Second, Ajayi suggested that El-Rufai was trying to divert attention from his own challenges in Kaduna State, where he is facing corruption allegations.
Ajayi said the issue was not about President Tinubu or the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, but about the former governor’s political standing in his home state.
He questioned how El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State for eight years, allegedly lost the support of key stakeholders in the state.
The political disagreement comes amid ongoing corruption allegations against El-Rufai in Kaduna State.
Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly had earlier endorsed a petition to anti-corruption agencies, asking them to investigate the former governor over alleged mismanagement of funds amounting to N432 billion.
The petition was reportedly forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.
Ajayi said both agencies had invited El-Rufai in connection with the allegations.
El-Rufai has denied wrongdoing and has described some of the allegations as politically motivated.
The former governor has also had disagreements with his successor, Governor Uba Sani, who was once considered his close political ally. Observers note that political relationships in Kaduna have shifted since El-Rufai left office.
The exchange between Ajayi and El-Rufai comes at a time when Nigeria’s political space remains tense following recent elections and ongoing economic reforms.
President Tinubu’s administration has introduced policies aimed at stabilising the economy, including subsidy removal and exchange rate reforms. These policies have sparked debate and criticism from opposition figures and some members of the ruling party.
Security matters are particularly sensitive in Nigeria due to ongoing challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts. As a result, any claim involving the Office of the National Security Adviser tends to attract widespread attention.
Ajayi argued that public figures should avoid making statements that could create unnecessary panic.
In his statement, Ajayi urged El-Rufai to focus on addressing the allegations against him rather than making claims against the Federal Government.
He said, “Instead of behaving like a drowning man holding on to a straw to stay afloat, Mallam El-Rufai should brace up to face his corruption allegations and make peace with himself and his own people.”
The Presidency’s position is that there was no government importation of thallium and that the claim was intended to mislead the public.
So far, El-Rufai has not publicly released the response he reportedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Some Nigerians have called for greater transparency from all parties involved. They say that in matters concerning national security and public safety, clear communication is essential to prevent rumours.
Others believe that anti-corruption agencies should be allowed to carry out their investigations without political interference.
The EFCC and ICPC have not issued detailed public statements on the status of the alleged N432 billion investigation.
As the dispute unfolds, it highlights the growing tension between former and current political actors within the same party and across different levels of government.
For now, the Presidency has firmly stated that there was no government importation of thallium into Nigeria and has challenged those making the claim to provide evidence.
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