Insecurity: Northern Youths Accuse El-Rufai Of ‘Reckless’ Remarks

A group, the Northern Youths Frontiers (NYF), has decried former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s “reckless and irresponsible” remarks on national security.

The group, through its North West zonal coordinator, Saminu Tukur, faulted El-Rufai’s comments during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, warning that such “unguarded rhetoric” could undermine public confidence, embolden criminals, and trivialise the suffering of victims of insecurity.

NYF also accused the former governor of attempting to smear the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and belittle the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces.

“It is shameful that a man who had eight years steering the affairs of Kaduna, yet left behind a legacy riddled with insecurity, hardship, and division, now seeks to present himself as a saint by mocking the current efforts to restore peace,” the group said.

They argued that El-Rufai’s remarks were insensitive, especially when security personnel made sacrifices to protect Nigerians, including paying the ultimate price.

According to NYF, Kaduna under El-Rufai witnessed years of bloodshed and banditry, while his successor, Governor Uba Sani, is “already achieving what he could not by bringing peace, stability, and governance with a human face.”

The group called on Nigerians, particularly youths in the North, to reject what it described as El-Rufai’s “divisive antics,” urging him to retract his statements and desist from politicising security matters.

“We reaffirm our confidence in the Armed Forces and other security agencies working tirelessly to keep Nigeria safe, secure, and stable. Our security challenges demand collective responsibility, not reckless rhetoric,” NYF added.