Gov Uba Urged To Distance Self From El-Rufai’s Religious Utterances

The chairman New Life for All in Kaduna State, Rev. Yusuf Biniyat has called on Governor Uba Sani to beware of religious statements from his predecessor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai.

Binniyat said the advice was premised on a purported leaked video by the immediate past el-Rufai on the Muslim- Muslim ticket and the description of the Kaduna State citizens as “we” and “them.” This means “the Muslims then the Christians.”

In a statement he personally issued, he said, “initially, I thought it was a doctored video and have been waiting patiently to hear the immediate past governor refute, disown or claim the video to be the work of mischief makers who do not wish well for Kaduna State and the country at large, but his  silence on the issue suggests the authenticity of the video.

He however said the video clip, if really it is from him, shows how subjective el-Rufai can be despite his wide experiences worldwide.

“Some of us who were attracted to him due to his high knowledge of governance, love for aesthetic, hard work, local and international experiences, love for the Nigerian State, figure of high standing and a mentor to the young people.

“But the video clip has succeeded in diminishing the integrity of the past governor not just in Kaduna State, but in the nation at large. One would have thought that a person of such high standing and experiences will think better, but in this context, the thought does not reflect his giftedness and experiences”.

He said the former governor must be reminded that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria emphasizes oneness and togetherness of the Nigerian citizens which he stressed every public personality must protect.

He stressed that there should be no room for any segregation among citizens irrespective of religion, ethnicity or regionality, especially by those holding public  offices, adding that every citizen of Nigeria or Kaduna State ought to be given his dues and chances for leadership.

“Unfortunately, the video clip of el-Rufai has successfully divided the Nigerian citizens based on religious lines which is unacceptable and regrettable. Praising the Ulamas as the pivotal of their victory to the detriment of the Christian religious leaders who supported them was inciting to the core.

“This now deepens and widens the animosity between the two religions. Saying Islam does not cheat suggests it is the church that cheats which has also broadened the distrust between  Christians and Muslims, Southern Kaduna and Northern Kaduna. This is highly pitiful to the core,” he stated.