The Kaduna state government Monday accused former governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai of attempting to destabilise the state through what it described as provocative actions and false claims.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, alleged that El-Rufai was plotting to drag the state back into violent divisions, saying the government would not tolerate any attempt to threaten peace.
“The government will not fold its arms and allow a discredited former leader, who left the state in ruins, to ignite chaos and plunge Kaduna into another era of ethno-religious tension, insecurity and economic stagnation,” the statement reads in part.
Dr. Shuaibu said El-Rufai’s recent remarks, including his allegation on national television that both federal and state governments were “bribing bandits,” were false, dangerous, and intended to undermine security efforts. He noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had already dismissed the allegation as baseless.
He said security agencies and local initiatives have recorded significant gains under Governor Uba Sani, citing the neutralisation of several bandit kingpins and the restoration of calm in flashpoint areas such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru and Kachia.
The commissioner further alleged that El-Rufai intensified his moves following electoral defeats suffered by his political allies during the August 16 by-elections. He added that the administration of Governor Sani had focused on peace-building, inclusion and development, and would not allow any individual to “reverse the progress made.”