Dare Babalola
Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Femi Fani-Kayode, has described former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as a threat to national security.
Fani-Kayode made this statement in a Facebook post on Tuesday, responding to El-Rufai’s allegations against National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Kaduna Governor, Uba Sani.
El-Rufai had alleged that he bugged Ribadu’s phone and claimed the NSA’s office imported chemical weapons into the country. He also alleged a conspiracy between Ribadu and Sani to “destroy him” and “jail him for life”.
Fani-Kayode questioned El-Rufai’s actions, asking if it’s the same people who enabled terrorists to kill and abduct people that bugged the NSA’s phone.
He stated that El-Rufai’s admission of bugging the NSA’s phone makes him complicit in their crimes and an accessory after the fact.
“If you can boast of bugging the NSA’s phone on national television, it makes you a security threat to our nation,” Fani-Kayode said.
He recalled his past friendship with El-Rufai, Ribadu, and Sani, saying they worked together under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government.
Fani-Kayode listed several allegations against El-Rufai, including the killing of over 800 Christians in Southern Kaduna in 2016 and over 1000 Shia Muslims in Zaria.
He also accused El-Rufai of insulting Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, and treating Christians with contempt during his governorship.
He questioned why El-Rufai would not face investigation or detention, saying he is not above the law.
“If you know you have done no wrong, why can’t you calm down, pray to God, and hope for the best?” Fani-Kayode asked.
Fani-Kayode compared El-Rufai’s behavior to that of guilty men and hardened criminals, saying it’s driven by lust for power and refusal to accept defeat.
He urged El-Rufai to seek forgiveness and make peace with God, saying divine retribution is real.
He described Ribadu as a formidable adversary who is focused on solving security problems and building bridges with American allies.
Fani-Kayode contrasted Ribadu’s background with El-Rufai’s, saying the former comes from a line of distinguished public servants.
Fani-Kayode questioned El-Rufai’s lineage and heritage, saying it’s evident in his behavior. He concluded that El-Rufai’s actions make him a security risk and threat to Nigeria’s stability.
Fani-Kayode’s post has also reignited debates about El-Rufai’s governorship and his current influence in Nigerian politics.
