Joy Yesufu, Abuja
The Kaduna State Government has accused former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of attempting to destabilise the state through “provocation, manipulation and incitement,” warning that it will not tolerate any attempt to drag the state back into violence.
In a statement on Monday, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, said El-Rufai’s recent actions posed a direct threat to peace and development.
According to Shuaibu, tension escalated after El-Rufai’s political allies lost the August 16 by-elections.
“Rather than accept this democratic outcome with dignity, El-Rufai has chosen to respond with sabotage,” Shuaibu said, alleging that the former governor convened “an illegal and chaotic meeting” of supporters on August 30 that ended in violence, including gunshots.
The government also faulted El-Rufai’s remarks on a television programme where he accused both federal and state governments of bribing bandits to secure peace.
Shuaibu described the allegation as a “malicious lie designed to undermine security efforts and incite public anger,” noting that the Office of the National Security Adviser had already dismissed such claims.
He highlighted security gains recorded under Governor Uba Sani’s administration, including the elimination of notorious bandit leaders such as Boderi, Baleri and Sani Yellow, and also arrests of Ansaru members in areas previously plagued by violence.
“For a former governor to deny these hard-won victories, and in doing so insult the memory of officers who died in the line of duty, is beyond shameful,” Shuaibu said.
The commissioner said El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure, was marked by “division and intimidation” while Sani’s administration, he said has prioritised inclusion, dialogue and development.
He also cited progress in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Shuaibu warned El-Rufai to desist from actions capable of destabilising the state, stressing that security agencies were on alert.
“No individual, no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to destabilise Kaduna State. The peace of Kaduna is non-negotiable,” he said.
In response, El-Rufai, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, maintained that the government was adopting a “kiss-the-bandits” approach, citing reports by SBM Intelligence and Sahara Reporters which claimed that insecurity in Kaduna and Zamfara had worsened.
