El-Rufai and the Hawks, By Nurein Adebisi

In his captivating autobiography, “The Accidental Public Servant,” published in 2013, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, recounted a gripping tale from his secondary school days. He shared how he confronted and triumphed over a notorious individual named Sunday, known as “the bully,” in a dramatic and astonishing manner. This incident, so extraordinary that even the school authorities found it hard to believe when Sunday reported it, highlighted the stark contrast between their physical appearances. While Sunday boasted a strong and imposing physique, Nasir El-Rufai’s current frame reveals what his size and strength were back then.

However, what Nasir El-Rufai may have lacked in physical stature, he more than compensated for with his wisdom and knowledge, earning him the status of an intellectual giant. This is evident in his remarkable ability to deploy his intellectual arsenal to confront challenges, make decisive choices where others opt for neutrality due to fear of the unknown, and fearlessly pursue his convictions, even if they oppose the majority’s perception. He remains steadfast in his convictions and faces adversity without flinching.

Throughout his journey as a public servant, starting from his role as the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, to his tenure as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and later as the elected governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has continually encountered and confronted various formidable challenges akin to the “Sundays” of his past. It’s almost as if he was fated to overcome bullies at each step of his career ascent.

From facing a daunting situation that could have marred his public service career during his tenure at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, to his ministerial nomination by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and then, the political intricacies of Kaduna politics, including the North-South political arithmetic, El-Rufai’s journey has been riddled with confrontations that could have broken a weaker individual. However, his indomitable spirit has allowed him to persevere.

These episodes serve as clear evidence that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is no stranger to navigating treacherous waters filled with potential adversaries ready to strike at any opportunity. His courage and resilience have prevented him from being relegated to the sidelines of Nigerian political history. His ability to weather these storms and maintain his relevance remains a testament to his strength.

Interestingly, a new set of challenges emerged with the ascendancy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Presidency. A group of individuals, characterized by their ambitions to shine in the President’s eyes, targeted individuals they deemed smart and capable of outshining them. Surprisingly, one of their primary targets became Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, despite his significant contributions to President Tinubu’s rise to power. This ironic twist, coupled with concerns about his potential impact on the 2027 political landscape, led to a series of events that painted a complex picture.

It is widely known that President Bola Tinubu personally invited El-Rufai to join his government. The sudden shift in stance and the alleged involvement of the office of the National Security Adviser and the presidency to discredit El-Rufai stand in stark contrast to the renewed hope campaign slogan championed by President Tinubu. If this renewed hope is indeed genuine, it calls for a renewed conscience among those implicated.

The involvement of Senate President Akpabio in this saga appears perplexing. His actions have tarnished the reputation of the Senate, particularly considering the customary practice of screening nominees only after they have been cleared by security agencies. The introduction of new elements into the El-Rufai affair by the Senate raises concerns.

While Nasir El-Rufai is not positioned as an irreplaceable figure crucial to Nigeria’s progress, the weight of President Bola Tinubu’s words in Kaduna and the tasks assigned to El-Rufai in the power sector highlight the significance of his contributions. Neglecting the efforts of the team assembled by El-Rufai, along with the preliminary reports and proposed solutions to revitalize the power sector, solely for political reasons, challenges the essence of President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

In conclusion, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai remains far from a defeated figure. The true losers are those opportunistic hawks who seek to stifle potential threats and frustrate individuals with innovative ideas. They have underestimated Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s resilience and capabilities.

FUNDAMENTAL OBSERVATION

Recently, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, criticized Pastor Tunde Bakare, the overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, for discussing the state of the nation. Basiru claimed that Pastor Bakare, while brimming with ideas, lacks the competence to address national matters due to his non-political background.

Senator Basiru’s tendency to seek prominence by belittling others has surfaced once again. His interactions consistently showcase a high level of intolerance and leadership immaturity.

The politically sensitive members of the APC in Osun will vividly remember how Basiru led the party to a humiliating defeat in July 2022 as the Director General of Gboyega Oyetola’s second-term campaign. His misguided statements and overconfidence, dripping with political arrogance, were directly linked to this debacle.

In a crafty twist, he now blames those he previously dismissed as insignificant in the party, labeling them as “Erunrun Akara.” At every opportunity, he launches verbal attacks, allocating blame to them in a desperate attempt to conceal his monumental failure and shame.

As a senator, Basiru should recognize that one’s political affiliation is not a prerequisite for expressing opinions on national matters. In Nigeria, respected Christian figures like the late Sunday Mbang, Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, and Rev. Fr. Mathew Hassan Kukah have consistently engaged in national discourse without being politicians. Their opinions and contributions have always been valuable and pertinent to the nation’s affairs. Basiru should approach these matters with caution.

 

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do not represent the opinions or views of Osun Defender