By; JAMES SWAM
When former Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s son, Bashir, recently shared sensational content on X (formerly Twitter) to cater to the vulgar tastes of his audience, his lack of experience led him to overlook the potential repercussions of spreading propaganda.
The overwhelming response from Nigerians should serve as a lesson for him to be better prepared before engaging in such a misguided, reckless attempt at character assassination against a sitting governor.
Since then, both traditional and new media platforms have been inundated with debates regarding Governor Uba Sani’s disclosure of Kaduna state’s indebtedness which he did while shedding light on his administration’s ten-month tenure during a town hall meeting. In attendance were the key stakeholders of Kaduna state, comprising different sectors.
The governor addressed the gathering earnestly, discussing the state of affairs within his government, focusing on security measures, infrastructure upgrades, healthcare, educational funding, vocational training initiatives, governance cost reduction, the Safe Schools Project, and efforts to attract foreign investment in various sectors, including partnerships with UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, etc.
Despite the enlightening discourse on the state’s development trajectory and strategies to overcome obstacles, the persistent theme in political discussion thereafter amplified by little-known Bashir el-Rufai, focused on the astonishing boldness of the governor to reveal the humongous indebtedness of the state.
Yet, is it not commendable for the governor to openly disclose the state’s financial obligations to its citizens? Shouldn’t transparency and accountability be applauded? A cursory Google search would illustrate how governors, over time, have shared the financial realities they inherited upon assuming office.
Did former Governor Nasir el-Rufai disclose the state’s financial situation upon taking office in 2015? Indeed, he did so, albeit critically and disparagingly.
el-Rufai’s predecessor, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero claimed to have left N8.6 billion in the Kaduna State treasury as at May 29, 2015 and was applauded by el-Rufai, who said, “I am happy that the situation is not as bad as we thought.” However, two months later, el-Rufai refuted Yero’s assertion during a press conference.
According to the government, Yero left only N228 million (2.65% of the N8.6 billion) in working capital, juxtaposed with outstanding liabilities of N370 million, thereby creating a deficit that impeded governance operations.
Furthermore, 97.35% of the funds Yero purportedly left in the treasury according to el–Rufai’s spokesman at the time, Samuel Aruwan, were designated for SURE-P, MDGs, SUBEB, and state pension, and therefore could not be considered as working capital.
Governor Uba Sani’s revelation thus follows an established pattern, doesn’t it? It’s crucial to note that the governor was aware that the state had taken some loans, including the $350 million he facilitated for Urban Renewal and other developmental projects based on a comprehensive blueprint presented. However, was the plan strictly adhered to? Why are there abandoned road projects scattered throughout the city? Why did some contractors vanish from the sites with their equipment even before May 2023? And what about the 115 contractual liabilities? Why are they asking for N120 billion to complete the projects?
The facts of the matter have been twisted and manipulated by El-Rufai Jr. to appeal to base instincts. Those who sensationalised Governor Uba Sani’s honest speech have unconsciously fueled calls by groups for an investigation into the El-Rufai administration. Their attempt to rubbish the governor has backfired.
The Joint Action Committee on Non-Violence Movement (JACON), Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), and Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) backed the governor, pressing for a probe of the El-Rufai administration to uncover instances of awarded contracts without execution or partial execution, as well as to recover funds from contractors who failed to deliver after receiving mobilisation payments.
Renowned civil rights activist and former senator Shehu Sani advocated for a deeper examination of the actual level of indebtedness to dispel citizens’ suspicions of a government cover-up. For the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a “Judicial Commission of Inquiry” to analyse the massive debts and contractual liabilities incurred was necessary.
Hassan Gimba’s piece titled “El-Rufai And The Short Trek To Posterity”, Suyi Ayodele’s “Nigeria’s Leaders, Kaduna’s Debt, and El-Rufai’s Silence”, and Usman Santuraki’s “Governor Uba Sani vs. El-Rufai: Who Blinks First?” all unearthed criticisms of the El-Rufai administration. The matter has sparked intense scrutiny from writers and columnists, portraying the “accidental public servant” in an unfavourable and disparaging light.
This isn’t what the young El-Rufai had anticipated. The massive calls for probe of his father’s time as governor should teach him a lesson, and the senior El-Rufai should by now have whipped him sufficiently for turning the searchlight on him for the wrong reasons.
Undoubtedly, the unfolding events are causing unrest within the El-Rufai camp more than Governor Uba Sani’s. Public opinion largely places blame on the former governor’s associates for escalating tensions. Critically, the disrespectful attacks from El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, on Governor Uba Sani are deemed unwarranted. From all indications, El-Rufai Jr.’s attempt to mudsling the governor has backfired. But, May Uba Sani and Nasir El-Rufai’s friendship endure.
James Swam is a Kaduna-based public affairs analyst and author of “How to be an Effective Spokesperson”.
