TheNewsGuru

Tag: el-rufai

  • Kaduna Assembly to drag El-Rufai to court for allegedly calling Lawmakers ‘Illiterates’

    Kaduna Assembly to drag El-Rufai to court for allegedly calling Lawmakers ‘Illiterates’

    Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly have threatened legal action against former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, for allegedly calling the lawmakers ” stark illiterates ” on radio.

    While reacting to El-Rufai’s comments, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Henry Marah Zachariah, on behalf of the lawmakers, said members of the Assembly possessed both legal, educational and moral qualifications and have dutifully discharged their constitutional responsibilities to carry out the investigation against him.

    “El-Rufai is a noisemaker seeking political relevance,” the House members alleged.

    El-Rufa’i had during a local radio programme, said members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly “are stark illiterates” and did not have the capacity to investigate his administration.

    According to Hon. Zachariah ,We wish to remind the former Governor that all the Honorable Members of the Assembly met constitutional requirement to contest and win their various elections as enshrined in Section 106 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended).”

    “Members of the Assembly possessed both legal, educational and moral qualifications and have dutifully discharged their constitutional responsibilities to carry out the investigation.”

    “All the findings of the Adhoc Committee against the former Governor and his administration are in the public domain and all his attempt to impugn the report in court failed and until the Committee’s report is successfully challenged in court, the former Governor remain indicted,” he said.

    The legislators said they would take legal actions against El-Rufa’i for calling them ‘stark illiterates’ .

    “On the issue of defamation of character of the Members of the Assembly, alleging that they are stark illiterates, the Assembly will take appropriate legal action against the former Governor to protect their image and integrity and the Assembly as an Institution for the sake of posterity.”

    “On the removal of the former Executive Chairman of KADIRS of his appointment, the Rt. Hon. Speaker has no powers to hire or fire any appointed officer in the State,” he added.

    While reiterating their support for Governor Uba Sani and the House Speaker, Yusuf Liman,the lawmakers said “We hereby reiterate the resolve of the entire members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly irrespective of party differences to support and work with Governor Uba Sani and the Rt Honourable Speaker to ensure the people of Kaduna State get the needed dividends of democracy.”

  • ALGON denies El-Rufai’s fund diversion claims

    ALGON denies El-Rufai’s fund diversion claims

    The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, has refuted allegations by a former Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding the diversion of local government funds.

    At a news conference on Tuesday in Kaduna, ALGON spokesperson, Alh. Muhammad Shehu, rejected the claims.

    He stated that Gov. Uba Sani’s administration upheld transparency, accountability, and financial autonomy.

    Shehu described El-Rufai’s allegations as false and misleading, aimed at undermining the credibility of Governor Sani’s people-centred and inclusive governance.

    He noted the accusations were intended to misinform the public, provoke discontent, and tarnish the image of the current administration’s developmental efforts.

    El-Rufai had alleged that the governor misappropriated local government funds to acquire properties in Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

    “The Uba Sani administration strictly follows due process and the rule of law. It supports local government initiatives and does not interfere with their finances,” Shehu stated.

    He said local governments now receive significantly higher monthly allocations compared to what was disbursed during El-Rufai’s tenure.

    “Many of us served under El-Rufai. Under Sani, our allocations have doubled. We now operate without fear or intimidation,” Shehu remarked.

    He further accused El-Rufai of pursuing divisive policies, especially the ‘Riot Damage Deductions’, which allegedly targeted Southern Kaduna, fuelling ethnic tensions.

    Shehu praised the Sani-led administration for reversing such policies, promoting unity and fostering inclusivity across Kaduna State.

    Citing rural development, Shehu highlighted the Rural Transformation Programme, which has improved agriculture, created jobs, boosted rural economies, and enhanced local security.

    He urged the public to dismiss El-Rufai’s claims, calling them baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence.

    Shehu assured that local government chairmen are focused on development, with no complaints about the state government’s handling of funds.

  • Kaduna Assembly to take legal action against El-Rufai

    Kaduna Assembly to take legal action against El-Rufai

    The Kaduna state assembly has threatened to take legal action against former Governor Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna state for allegedly calling them “stark illiterates”.

    The members of the house described the allegation as a defamation of their character.

    The Chairman house committee on information, Henry Marah, stated this on Tuesday while responding to some allegations made by el-rufai against the assembly.

    “I wish to remind the former Governor that all the Hon. Members of the Assembly have met constitutional requirement to contest and win their various elections.

    “(This is) enshrined in section 106 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “The former governor also alleged that the assembly do not have the capacity to probe his Government/Administration.

    “It is also disheartening to note that the Governor is ignorant of the provision of Constitution specifically section 128 and 129 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

    “(This) empowers the assembly to conduct investigations on any matter or thing with respect to which it has power to make laws,” he said.

    Marah denied the former governor’s allegation that the report of the ad-hoc committee that investigated his government was written by someone else.

    He said that the assembly was discharging its duties and constitutional responsibilities by  carrying out the investigation.

    According to him, the former governor remains indicted until the committee report was successful challenged in court.

    He added that all findings of the committee against the governor were in the public domain.

    “On the relief of the former Executive Chairman, Kaduna Internal Revenue Service KADIRS, Abubakar  Zaid of his appointment, the Hon. Speaker, Yusuf Dahiru, has no powers to hire or fire any appointed officer in the state,” he said.

    NAN reports that el-rufai made the allegations on Freedom Radio discussion programme on Monday.

  • El-Rufai is hurt after failing to land ministerial post – APC

    El-Rufai is hurt after failing to land ministerial post – APC

    The All Progressives Party (APC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to its founding values and progressive ideals, refuting claims made by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, a former Governor of Kaduna State.

    In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Mr Felix Morka, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, responded to El-Rufai’s recent comments.

    El-Rufai had accused the APC of straying from its original principles and transforming into a party driven by personal interests.

    Morka rejected these claims, asserting that the APC remained committed to its founding values and progressive ideals.

    He further emphasised that in spite of El-Rufai’s departure, the party continued to attract new members who were aligned with its values and vision for Nigeria’s transformation.

    El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stated in a recent interview that the APC had abandoned its progressive ideals, focusing instead on private interests rather than public welfare.

    Morka dismissed these claims, labeling El-Rufai as a self-serving politician, blinded by ego and driven by personal grievances.

    He emphasised that the former governor’s dissatisfaction stemmed from his failure to secure a ministerial position under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “His assertion that he left because the APC deviated from its founding values or progressive ideology is merely a cover for his personal frustrations.

    “El-Rufai appears to be acting out of hurt after failing to land a ministerial post, and his attacks on the APC are fuelled by a bruised ego,” Morka said.

    Morka further emphasised that in spite of El-Rufai’s departure, the APC continued to attract millions of new members across the country, all of whom were drawn to the party’s values and its commitment to transforming Nigeria.

    The APC spokesman also dismissed El-Rufai’s claims about the failure of President Tinubu’s administration, calling them baseless and misleading.

    Morka argued that Nigerians were witnessing real progress under Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in areas such as economic reform, good governance, and the delivery of key campaign promises.

    “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is better off today than when he took office.

    “From the removal of the fuel subsidy, which now saves the country an estimated N4 trillion annually, to the unification of exchange rates, tangible progress is being made,” Morka stated.

    He further added that the unification of exchange rates had led to a surge in foreign exchange inflows, contributing to the country’s ongoing economic improvements.

    He also highlighted the country’s growing foreign reserves, the increase in non-oil revenues, and the remarkable boost in oil exports, all of which demonstrated the success of Tinubu’s policies.

    Morka urged El-Rufai to move past his grievances and focus on offering constructive feedback, rather than resorting to negative rhetoric aimed at undermining the country’s progress.

    “El-Rufai is free to choose his political affiliation, but he should stop sulking and regain some respectability,” the APC spokesman said.

  • 2027 realignment: El-Rufai goes spiritual , says “I pray, Obi, Atiku, others join SDP”

    2027 realignment: El-Rufai goes spiritual , says “I pray, Obi, Atiku, others join SDP”

    Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has gone spiritual as he prays that key opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    El-Rufai, who recently dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the SDP, cited dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s leadership as his reason for defection. His move has sparked speculation about a potential opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

    In an interview with BBC Hausa, El-Rufai emphasised the need for opposition leaders to unite under one platform.

    What I want and pray for is for all opposition leaders—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola—to join the SDP,” he said.

    He also expressed disappointment with the current administration, stating that his initial support for Bola Tinubu was based on the expectation that he would replicate his achievements in Lagos at the national level.

    El-Rufai stated, “What pains me is that the government we supported and had confidence in would do well, because we saw what Tinubu did in Lagos despite his challenges. We all know about his issues in Chicago, but we thought if he could replicate his work in Lagos for Nigeria, let’s support him. However, he failed.”

    Addressing claims that he had betrayed Atiku, El-Rufai clarified that their relationship was professional rather than political.

    “I never betrayed Atiku Abubakar because we didn’t meet in politics; we met at work. In work, if I see that he didn’t do well, whoever he is, I will tell him. I told Buhari, and I even took Buhari to court on the new naira issue. When Obasanjo and Atiku were having issues, those of us working with Obasanjo looked at the issues between them and said Obasanjo was more right. It was not about north and south; Obasanjo was right. Atiku and I are now together, and if I betrayed him, why are we together now?” he added.

  • Kaduna police command replies El’Rufai on ‘kidnapping gang’

    Kaduna police command replies El’Rufai on ‘kidnapping gang’

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, says there is no kidnapping gang within the force.

    The command’s Spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan made this known in  a statement on Friday in Kaduna.

    “The attention of the command has been drawn to Malam Nasir El Rufai’s statement  on his X handle, wherein he alleged that one of his former Commissioners, Malam Jafaru Sani, was abducted by what he referred to as Uba Sani’s ”kidnapping gang,’’ which he claimed to be the police .

    He said the former governor of Kaduna state  further stated that Sani was remanded in custody by a Magistrate without any police First Information Report or charges by the State Ministry of Justice.

    “To put the records straight, there is no kidnapping gang within the Nigerian police force.

    “The Nigerian police is an institution created by the 1999 Constitution and the Police Act. These two statutes mandate the it to maintain law and order.”

    According to him,  in the discharge of this constitutional duty, the police have the legal, legitimate and constitutional right to arrest and investigate whoever  is  suspected to have committed an offence.

    “Individuals, corporate organisations and governments have the constitutional right to lodge formal complaints to the  police.

    “The police also have the  mandate to investigate such allegations and when it’s believed that an offence had been committed,  such matter will be prosecuted or referred to court.”

    Hassan urged  members of the  public, especially individuals who have held positions of authority, to exercise caution and desist from frivolous and malicious allegations against any security agency.

    ”We urge individuals to always verify allegations before making public statements. Making unverified allegations against security agencies not only mislead the public but also have the potentials of undermining the law enforcement agencies.

    “Citizens are encouraged to seek legal redress if they feel aggrieved, rather than resort to inflammatory comments that will heat up the polity, “Hassan stated.

  • Defection: El-Rufai betrayed us-APC Professionals

    Defection: El-Rufai betrayed us-APC Professionals

    … insists nothing is beyond resolution

    The APC Professional Network, the umbrella body for professionals within the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the defection of a core professional like former Governor of Kaduna state ,Nasir El-Rufai from the party was a massive betrayal.

    The professional group however insisted that the matter is not beyond resolution despite his sudden movement to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), as widely reported.

    This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s President General, Victor Walsh Oluwafemi on Monday stating that:

    “Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has been a prominent figure in the APC, and his contributions to the party’s growth and governance objectives have been most significant.

    ” However, his decision to leave the party, coupled with the comments made during his interview, is both unexpected and disappointing. It raises concerns about the principles of party loyalty, consistency, and the commitment required to build a stronger APC.

    “We acknowledge his right to association and political choice, but we cannot ignore the impact of such actions on the integrity and unity of our great party.

    “The APC Professional Network remains committed to the vision and values of the APC and will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the party’s principles of good governance, accountability, and development.

    Oluwafemi explained that: “As professionals within the APC, we urge our members and supporters to remain calm, focused, and resolute.

    “We must not allow this development to deter us from our collective goal of advancing the party’s agenda for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

    “We call on party leaders at all levels to strengthen internal cohesion and address concerns that may lead to further defections. Now, more than ever, the APC must demonstrate leadership, unity, and resolve.

    Stressing further that “we remain committed to the ideals of the APC and assure our members that we will continue to engage constructively to ensure the party remains strong and united.

  • El-Rufai’s son begs Nigerians over dangerous tweet supporting Southern Kaduna k!llings

    El-Rufai’s son begs Nigerians over dangerous tweet supporting Southern Kaduna k!llings

    Bashir El-Rufai, the son of ex- Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has begged Nigerians following backlash over his controversial comment on X (formerly Twitter).

    Bashir, known for his brash social media presence, had posted a controversial remark suggesting that the killings in Southern Kaduna would persist if residents continued to attack Fulani herdsmen.

    It is your stupid mother that is an elephant. And Southern Kaduna residents will keep seeing sheghe (trouble or suffering) if they continue to attack indigenous Fulani herdsmen.

    ” Oloshi,” Bashir wrote in response to an X user, @qykali, who had accused his father of overseeing “industrial-scale ethnic cleansing” in the region during his tenure as governor.

    The term sheghe (shege)—a Hausa slang implying severe suffering—was perceived as an endorsement of violence, igniting outrage from many Nigerians who saw it as an attempt to justify the recurring massacres in Southern Kaduna, where suspected herdsmen have repeatedly attacked communities.

    Following the backlash, Bashir deleted the tweet and later offered an apology, admitting that his initial post was “in bad taste.”

    My tweet about Southern Kaduna residents & persecuted Fulani herdsmen was in bad taste & also badly written in an attempt to make a point in the heat of the moment. I apologize for that to those that know me, and are aware that I don’t harbor such sentiments,” he wrote on X.

  • Pro-El-Rufai protesters invade SDP HQ demand removal of party’s National Scribe Agunloye over alleged scam

    Pro-El-Rufai protesters invade SDP HQ demand removal of party’s National Scribe Agunloye over alleged scam

    Pro-Nasir El-Rufai protesters invaded the national headquarters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja on Wednesday, demanding the removal of the party’s national scribe, Olu Agunloye.

    The protesters, holding placards, accused Agunloye of mismanaging the party and called on him to either clear his name regarding his fraud case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or step down.

    Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, is currently facing trial by the EFCC over allegations of fraudulent contract awards and official corruption.

    One of the charges filed by the EFCC accuses Agunloye and Leno Adesanya, who remains at large, of forging a document dated May 22, 2003.

    The document titled “Construction of 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on Build, Operate, Transfer Basis” allegedly caused the Federal Government of Nigeria to enter into a contract with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL).

    The EFCC claims the forgery violates Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code and is punishable under the law.

    Some of the placards brandished by the protesters at the SDP headquarters on Wednesday read: ‘Clear your name or resign: Dr. Agunloye, face your EFCC cases and stop embarrassing SDP!’ ‘Don’t destroy SDP! Dr. Agunloye’s EFCC case is destroying SDP! Resign now and give us a chance,’ and ‘Save SDP’s legacy! Dr. Agunloye must resign immediately! We demand change for a better future!’

    Sources revealed that the protesters are supporters of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State Governor who recently defected to the SDP from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    El-Rufai officially resigned from the APC on Monday and announced his move to the SDP. He has also directed his political allies and supporters to join him in the new party.

    The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) cited a growing disconnect between his personal values and the APC’s current direction as the key reason for his defection.

    El-Rufai, a founding member of the APC, accused the party’s current leadership of abandoning the progressive ideals that guided its formation in 2013.

    He claimed that the party had been taken over by individuals who disregarded internal democracy and treated members with contempt.

    He added that despite repeatedly voicing his concerns about the party’s decline, both privately and publicly, his warnings were ignored.

    “On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party. Therefore, at this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish,” he said.

    El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna from 2015 to 2023, said he had hoped that the APC would remain committed to the principles of good governance, democracy, and development.

    However, he now believes the party has strayed and no longer represents the ideals of its founding fathers.

    The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recalled how he played a key role in securing electoral victories for the APC in 2015, 2019, and 2023, but expressed disappointment at how the party has been run in recent years.

    “I, therefore, call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black Race,” he said.

    Meanwhile, TheCable reported on Tuesday that Agunloye had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over an alleged plot to pressure him into resigning.

    It was also disclosed that SDP members loyal to El-Rufai are actively pushing for Agunloye’s resignation.

    “I petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening me to resign,” Agunloye confirmed the submission of the petition to TheCable.

    Meanwhile, Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has described El-Rufai as an asset with a strong record of public service.

    Background Of Agunloye’s EFCC Case

    Meanwhile, Sunrise Power is seeking $2.3 billion in compensation from Nigeria through arbitration at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris over the government’s failure to honor the contract.

    The contract was awarded by Agunloye while serving as a minister, just a day after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had instructed him to withdraw the memo.

    On October 10, 2017, Sunrise initiated arbitration against Nigeria at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris, seeking $2.354 billion in damages for “breach of contract” related to a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050MW Mambilla power plant in Taraba State on a “build, operate, and transfer” basis, valued at $6 billion.

    In a second arbitration, the company is demanding $400 million as compensation for the Nigerian government’s failure to honor the terms of a 2020 settlement agreement intended to resolve the dispute.

  • ‘Wahala’ in SDP as El-Rufai’s loyalists plot to flush out national scribe

    ‘Wahala’ in SDP as El-Rufai’s loyalists plot to flush out national scribe

    The National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olu Agunloye, has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun over an alleged plot to force him out of office.

    Sources revealed that SDP members aligned with Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State governor who recently joined the party, are pressuring Agunloye to resign.

    Confirming the petition on Tuesday, Agunloye told The Cable, “I petitioned the IG about a person who forged letterhead paper and is threatening me to resign.”

    El-Rufai officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday and joined the SDP after months of strategic discussions with opposition leaders.

    A vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, El-Rufai’s relationship with the APC soured after the Senate declined to confirm his ministerial nomination.

    In February, he claimed that Tinubu deliberately kept him out of the cabinet, dismissing reports that the National Assembly rejected him.

    In his resignation statement, El-Rufai vowed to unite opposition forces against the APC, stating, “As a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us and congregate under a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and bye-elections between now and 2027 by the Grace of God.”

    He also called on his supporters and Nigerians seeking political change to join the SDP, describing it as a platform for national transformation.

    Reacting to El-Rufai’s defection, Adewole Adebayo, the SDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, welcomed him to the party, describing him as an “asset with a verifiable and measurable track record of public performance.”