A group, Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI), has said recent developments surrounding the statements of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, have vindicated former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s long-held assessment of him.
The group stressed that public discourse must be rooted in truth and integrity, warning that divisive and misleading statements erode public trust and undermine democracy.
In a statement yesterday, the group’s director of Strategic Communication, Dr. Tunji Bamidele, recalled Obasanjo’s description of El-Rufai as “a pathological purveyor of untruths and half-truths, with little or no regard for integrity,” noting that unfolding events had vindicated the former president’s words.
Bamidele said that Nigeria’s political situation is fraught with challenges, and the integrity of its leaders is paramount to successfully navigating these challenges. Against this backdrop, Obasanjo’s insights into El-Rufai are not only prescient but essential for understanding the current political climate.
He said Nigeria’s political situation demands leaders of unquestionable integrity, stressing that Obasanjo’s observations on El-Rufai’s “naivety and immaturity” resonate with the experiences of many Nigerians who have followed his turbulent political career.
Bamidele said: “El-Rufai’s recent statements regarding the security situation in Kaduna State and the broader North-Central region have raised eyebrows and prompted widespread criticism. The Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance has categorically dismissed El-Rufai’s claims that financial incentives were provided to bandits as part of a peace initiative.
“The Chairman of the Vanguard, Ibrahim Abubakar NaGwari, aptly described these statements as ‘lies and half-truths,’ aimed at undermining a peace model that has, in fact, brought relief to the people of Birnin-Gwari and surrounding areas.
This assertion starkly contrasts with El-Rufai’s tenure, during which he failed to restore peace in the very regions he now seeks to malign.
“Furthermore, the North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum has echoed these sentiments, criticizing El-Rufai for spreading ‘propaganda and lies’ regarding the security situation under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“The Forum’s Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, has labeled El-Rufai’s comments as politically motivated and devoid of truth. This collective condemnation from various stakeholders reinforces the notion that El-Rufai’s credibility is in serious question, thus validating Obasanjo’s earlier claims.
“El-Rufai’s history of embellishment and misrepresentation is not a new phenomenon. His penchant for distortion, coupled with a lack of loyalty to those who have supported him, has left a trail of disillusionment among his former allies and constituents alike.
“It is imperative to acknowledge that public discourse must be grounded in truth and integrity. Leaders bear a responsibility to their constituents to provide accurate information and to foster trust within the communities they serve. El-Rufai’s recent comments, which seek to sow discord and confusion, are antithetical to this principle.
“They reflect a divisive and bigoted approach that is unbecoming of a statesman, a characterization that aligns with Obasanjo’s assessment of El-Rufai as “divisive, bigoted, hateful, and completely un-statesmanlike.
“In light of these developments, the Democracy Watch Initiative calls upon all citizens, political leaders, and stakeholders to critically evaluate the narratives presented by individuals like El-Rufai. It is essential to scrutinize the motivations behind their statements and to hold them accountable for the veracity of their claims.
“Our democracy thrives on informed discourse, and it is the duty of every citizen to engage with the truth, rejecting falsehoods that compromise our collective future.”
DWI also urged the media to prioritise accuracy in reporting comments made by public figures like El-Rufai to prevent misinformation.
He added, “As we reflect on the words of former President Obasanjo, it becomes increasingly clear that his insights into the character of Nasir El-Rufai are not merely personal opinions but rather a cautionary tale for the Nigerian populace.
“The former President’s commitment to integrity and accountability serves as a guiding light for current and future leaders. It is our hope that El-Rufai will take this opportunity to reflect on his actions and statements, recognizing the importance of honesty and integrity in public service.”
