By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA – Former federal lawmaker that represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani has slammed former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El’Rufai for his sharp shift in political rhetoric, now promoting democracy after leaving office, despite presiding over controversial 8-year tenure marked by allegations of corruption, repression, and political persecution.
The Right Activist who took to his X account to disclose this, argued that his time in office was characterized by a tyrannical leadership style, with a focus on silencing opposition and sowing division among the populace.
According to him, Elrufai who was once a staunch critic of opposition parties, is now courting political alliances with former rivals, raising eyebrows among those who remember his demonization of dissenting voices during his time in power.
The Comrade senator has likened his political maneuvering to that of a spurned lover, citing how he once praised President Tinubu as a political “angel” only to later describe him as a “demon” after being removed from office.
Sani also highlighting his contradictory nature, noted that if he were to be in a less prestigious position, he would claim to have something grander, only to disparage it when things change.
He described El’Rufai’s leadership style as hypersensitive and intolerant of criticism, with claims that he lacks the moral authority to lecture the country on good governance or democracy.
He stated that throughout his time as governor, allegations of corruption and mismanagement were rampant, including accusations of using religion to divide the people of Kaduna, looting state resources, and piling up significant debt. He further acvused the administration of undermining the judiciary, persecuting journalists, and silencing critics, even arresting individuals for expressing dissent on social media.
The Human Right crusader argued that if he had been granted a position in President Bola Tinubu’s government, his toxic approach to governance would have extended to critics from both the north and south, with no one spared from his controversial methods.
Furthermore, Shehu Sani believed that his frustration today stems from the fact that he failed to install a puppet governor in Kaduna after his tenure, leading to further resentment.
He added that with his current political isolation, the former governor is seeking to be invited to northern public events, where he will continues to stoke sectional sentiments, yet remains largely sidelined from any significant political influence.
As the country grapples with issues of governance and leadership, the former governor’s actions and shifting alliances serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and contradictions within Nigeria’s political landscape.