News
Middle Belt blasts El-Rufai’s strain relationship with Tinubu, Gov. Uba Sani
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna state chapter, has observed with concern the recent political developments involving former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his strained relationship with the leadership of President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani which he once promoted.
A statement issued by the forum state chairman, Daniel Ejembi said, “As a forum committed to justice, accountability, and the welfare of the people of Kaduna State, we find it necessary to address the moral and ethical implications of El-Rufai’s actions and inactions.”
In the buildup to the 2023 general elections, the forum noted, “Nasir El-Rufai was one of the loudest voices in the All Progressives Congress (APC), campaigning tirelessly for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Uba Sani. He presented these individuals as the saviors Nigeria and Kaduna State needed, often portraying them as saints with impeccable leadership credentials.
“El-Rufai described Tinubu as a “visionary leader” and a “nation builder” with a proven track record of excellence. He often cited Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos State as evidence of his capacity to replicate similar successes at the national level.”
In one of his campaign speeches, according to the statement, El-Rufai said, “Tinubu is the leader Nigeria needs at this critical time. He has the experience, the vision, and the team to fix this country.”
Ejembi stated that El-Rufai was equally effusive in his praise for Uba Sani, his chosen successor in Kaduna State, portraying Sani as a “competent and compassionate leader” who would build on the foundations he had laid, adding that El-Rufai once stated that Uba Sani is not just a politician but a servant-leader who understands the needs of the people, as Kaduna will be in safe hands with him.
These statements, according to the forum, among others, were instrumental in convincing many Nigerians, including the people of Kaduna State, to support Tinubu and Uba Sani. El-Rufai’s endorsement carried significant weight, given his reputation as a no-nonsense administrator and a key figure in the APC.
The forum lamented that the once-strong relationship between El-Rufai and these political figures has deteriorated, pointing out that reports of disagreements, political maneuvering, and public spats have emerged, raising questions about the authenticity of El-Rufai’s earlier endorsements.
The forum further noted, “If Tinubu and Uba Sani were indeed the saints El-Rufai portrayed them to be, why has their relationship with him soured so dramatically? And more importantly, does El-Rufai have the moral high ground to criticize them now?”
According to the statemen, “The concept of “coming to equity with clean hands” is a legal and moral principle that suggests one must approach a situation with integrity and without wrongdoing. In this context, El-Rufai’s hands are far from clean. He was a key architect of the political campaigns that brought Tinubu and Uba Sani to power. If these leaders have failed to meet expectations, El-Rufai must bear some responsibility for his role in promoting them.”
El-Rufai’s failure to acknowledge his role in the current political situation, according to the forum raises serious questions about his character, suggested that El-Rufai’s intellectual prowess is undeniable and his inability to admit fault or apologize for misleading the public shows a lack of the basic virtues of humility and accountability.
Without apologizing to the people he misled, the forum stated that El-Rufai’s actions and criticisms of Tinubu and Uba Sani appear to be driven more by personal vendetta than by a genuine desire to deliver Nigerians from the pit he helped created and his refusal to acknowledge his role in the current political mess clearly shows that he is out for revenge to satisfy his ego, not to serve the people.
The Kaduna State Middle Belt Forum called on Nasir El-Rufai to apologize to the people he misled. His failure to do so suggests a lack of remorse and a disregard for the consequences of his actions, saying that instead of positioning himself as part of the solution, El-Rufai should step back and allow those with clean hands to address the problems he helped created.
“Nasir El-Rufai’s legacy is a complex one. While he has undoubtedly made significant contributions to Nigerian politics, his role in promoting leaders who have failed to meet expectations cannot be overlooked. His inability to acknowledge his mistakes and apologize to the people he misled raises serious questions about his character and moral standing. As Nigerians grapple with the consequences of the 2023 elections, El-Rufai should take a step back, reflect on his actions, and allow those with clean hands to lead the way forward,” the forum suggested.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In a powerful display of compassion and community spirit, Honourable Larai Sylvia Ishaku, Executive Chairperson of Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) in Kaduna State, spearheaded the distribution of rice to residents across all 10 electoral wards for Easter Celebration.
The well-organised event took place at the H.R.H Danladi Gyet Maude Secretariat at Kwoi, where crowds of grateful beneficiaries gathered to receive vital support from Hon. Laria Sylvia Ishaku.
Also in attendance were Hon. Mustapha Danladi Babaladi, the Executive Vice Chairman of Jaba LGA, and Comrade Abashiya Sahjury, Chief of Staff to Hon. Laria and other key political Leaders, which demonstrate strong leadership presence and a united front in delivering relief to the people.
The rice distribution reached a broad section of society, including former unit executives, recent political decampers, market women and traders, healthcare personnel, Okada riders (commercial motorcyclists), people living with disabilities, security personnel, and representatives from religious and community-based organisations such as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and others.
During her speech, Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku reaffirmed that the initiative was part of the broader support structure provided by Governor Uba Sani and All Progressives Congress (APC) for the people of Jaba LGA in Kaduna State.
She emphasised that her administration’s intention is to continue delivering practical benefits and genuine support to the masses (grassroots). “We are committed to ensuring every resident of Jaba LGA experiences the dividends of good governance. By the end of 2026 and beyond, no one will be left out,” she assured.
“Easter symbolises love, sacrifice and the joy of giving, such effort is a way of saying thank to you people while fostering peace and unity within our communities in Jaba LGA.”
Addressing the political atmosphere, Hon. Ishaku urged residents to stay vigilant and not fall prey to deceptive political tactics. “Be cautious of those who seek to mislead you for selfish political gain. Where were they when they held power? They forgot you,” she declared boldly.
In appreciation for the gesture, One of the beneficiary, Mr. Dennis Iliya, expressed deep thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries. “We thank the APC government for standing by the people of Jaba. May the Lord Almighty reward the kindness shown by Governor Sani and Hon. Larai Sylvia Ishaku. Their kindness has brought relief during these difficult times. May God continue to bless them and the APC leadership,” he stated joyfully.
Joseph Tegbe, director-general (DG) of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), says Nigeria will soon sign a deal on ‘Digital RMB’ with China to enable a direct conversion of naira to Chinese Yuan.
The digital renminbi (RMB) is a central bank digital currency issued by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China.
Speaking at the digital asset markets strategy masterclass series held recently in Lagos, Tegbe said the agreement is expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on the United States dollar.
He described the pact as a major step in Nigeria’s transition from a trade relationship with China to a mutually-beneficial development partnership.
The NCSP DG also said Nigeria has secured over $30 billion in investment commitments and 300 expressions of interest from Chinese companies within the last five months.
Tegbe also noted the importance of leveraging Chinese technology, particularly in the digital asset market and knowledge transfer, adding that the NCSP remains committed to supporting the globalisation of Nigeria’s capital market.
The director-general outlined the objectives of the partnership, which include driving infrastructure development, scaling up Chinese investments, strengthening trade and economic ties, promoting transparency, and advancing cultural exchange between both countries.
Also speaking at the event, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state is developing a securitisation policy to monetise idle assets and raise green bonds to fund infrastructure needs.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Abayomi Oluyomi, the commissioner for finance, said Lagos will become the first sub-national in the country to implement such a policy.
In his remarks, Nicholas Okoye, convener of the masterclass and a global investment advisor, said the digital transformation ushered in by the fourth industrial revolution has impacted all sectors and will open new frontiers of wealth for investors, institutions, nations, and sub-nationals.
“The most strategic ecosystem of this digital transformation has got to be ‘Digital Asset Markets’, which includes investment in cryptocurrencies as well as the tokenisation (digitisation) of traditional asset classes,” Okoye said.
“The proposed full adoption of ‘Digital Asset Markets’ in Nigeria’s capital markets and subsequently across Africa is going to be a game changer for wealth creation and economic growth sustainability.
“In addition, it will completely redefine the future of African finance, investment and capital market industries.”
Okoye said the digital assets present a unique opportunity for Africans to build wealth regardless of location or profession, providing for the first time, an accurate reflection of Nigeria and Africa’s true wealth position.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
Making the event that marked the Nigeria Union of Journalists at 70, the Taraba State chapter of the NUJ Honour chief David Sabo Kente as the philanthropist man of the year
The award presentation was held in Jalingo, the state capital, at the grand finale of the NUJ Press Week celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of NUJ, Mr Eliud Jen, noted that the awards were carefully chosen base on concrete evidence of performance in various categories and meant to spur the awardees to do more.
Chief Kente, who was the governorship aspirants of the All Progressives Congress APC, in 2023, has used his foundation, The DSK foundation, to help thousands of Taraban through scholarship, Small Medium Enterprises and lot more.
While congratulating the union for attaining 70 years, Kente called on government investors and everyone to give the union a support hand to enable its members to continue discharging their duties effectively.
Others who were awarded for outstanding performance are His Excellency Dr, Agbu Kefas the governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Yakubu Jafaru Chiroma, member representing Bali/Gassol Federal constituency, Dr Aisha Adamu, the CMD of Federal Medical Centre Jalingo, Hon. Aminu Hassan, ALGON chairman in the State, Professor Joseph Albasu Kunini, former Speaker of Taraba State and Professor Sunday Bako, Vice Chancellor Taraba State University Jalingo, the state Commissioner of Women Affairs and Child Development Mrs Mary Sinjen, Commandant 6 Brigade Jalingo Gen. Kinsley Uwa and several others were also given recognition as friends of the press.
Kente further appreciated journalists for finding him worthy to be honour, emphasizing that the award will spur him to do more.