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‎’Master Of Ambivalence’, Presidency Hits Back At El-Rufai For Criticizing Bandits Negotiation

‎’Master Of Ambivalence’, Presidency Hits Back At El-Rufai For Criticizing Bandits Negotiation
  • PublishedSeptember 9, 2025


After facing criticism over its approach regarding negotiations with bandits, the Presidency accused former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of double standard.

‎Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on X on Monday, described El-Rufai as a “master of ambivalence.”

‎He alleged that the former governor once spearheaded the payment of bandits in a bid to restore peace but now criticizes such measures for political reasons.

‎He said: “Malam Nasir EL-Rufai is the master of ambivalence. Once upon a time, he supported and led the way in paying bandits to calm them. Today, in the name of politics, he opposes it.”

‎OSUN DEFENDER reports that El-Rufai has in recent weeks openly disagreed with the Bola Tinubu administration over its approach to tackling insecurity, particularly its stance against negotiating with terrorists and bandits.

‎His comments had sparked mixed reactions, with the government accusing him of spreading falsehood.

‎The Tinubu government said it has consistently maintained that it would not pay ransom to the bandits.