Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai took to his official X handle over the weekend to express his views on what he described as ‘envy’ within Nigeria’s political class. His comments came in the wake of allegations of corruption and misappropriation of government funds during his eight-year tenure as governor.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly recently claimed that El-Rufai’s administration siphoned ₦423 billion, leaving the state with substantial debt. An ad hoc committee investigating the state’s finances accused the former governor of misusing loans and failing to follow due process.
In response, El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, dismissed the allegations as “scandalous,” asserting the former governor’s integrity and commitment to serving Kaduna State. Adekeye criticized the ad hoc committee’s report, labeling it a politically motivated attack aimed at tarnishing El-Rufai’s reputation.
Meanwhile, El-Rufai, in a reflective post on X, discussed the destructive nature of envy, particularly within the political arena. He quoted US Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the need for unity and mutual success. El-Rufai lamented that envy among Nigeria’s political elite often leads to hatred and destructive actions, posing a significant challenge to the country’s progress.
El-Rufai questioned whether this “incurable disease” of envy could ever be eradicated, expressing doubt but urging that it must be confronted if Nigeria is to achieve greatness. He concluded his message with a prayer for the nation’s future, hoping for the realization of its potential.
