A civic society organization known as Concerned Kaduna Citizens (CKC) has strongly criticized former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for alleging that the current state administration paid N1 billion to bandits, describing the claim as completely false and politically motivated.
Group Denies Payment Allegations
During a press conference held in Kaduna on Monday, the leader of CKC, Abdulrashid Teslim, stated that El-Rufai's comments made during a Channels Television interview were completely baseless and intended to damage the reputation of Governor Uba Sani's administration.
The group emphatically denied that any such payment was ever made by the Kaduna State Government to criminal elements. They characterized El-Rufai's statement as reckless and dangerous, noting it was made without providing any credible evidence to support the serious allegation.
Contrasting Security Approaches
The citizens' group emphasized that Governor Sani has maintained a strict policy of no negotiations and no ransom payments to bandits. Instead, the current administration relies on security agencies, intelligence operations, and community-driven peacebuilding initiatives to address security challenges.
In a sharp critique of El-Rufai's tenure, the group claimed that Kaduna recorded its highest levels of killings and insecurity under his leadership. They contrasted this with the administrations of former Governors Ahmed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo, and Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, whom they praised for fostering greater stability in the state.
Additional Criticism and Official Denial
Former National Assembly legislator Shehu Sani also criticized El-Rufai, stating that the former governor has no moral right to accuse the current administration of paying bandits. Senator Sani, who also serves as a human rights activist, described El-Rufai's claim as absolute rubbish.
In his statement issued on Sunday, Sani recalled that El-Rufai had openly discussed his strategy of conditional cash transfers to bandits during his own administration. He further alleged that bandits were effectively ex officio components of El-Rufai's government.
The group also referenced a recent clarification from the Office of the National Security Adviser, which publicly denied any knowledge of ransom payments by the Kaduna State Government or any other official entity. This official denial further contradicts El-Rufai's assertion.
The Concerned Kaduna Citizens called on the former governor to refrain from making unsubstantiated statements that could undermine public confidence in the state's security architecture. They stressed that Kaduna needs unity rather than division and expressed their firm support for Governor Uba Sani's commitment to peace, transparency, and justice.
