The Kaduna State Government has accused Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of plotting to destabilize the state through provocative actions and inflammatory statements.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, the government said it would not fold its arms and watch El-Rufai plunge Kaduna back into violence, division, and insecurity.

“This Government will not fold its arms and allow a discredited former leader, who left the state in ruins, to ignite chaos and plunge the state into another era of ethno-religious tension, insecurity, and economic stagnation,” the statement read.

According to the Commissioner, El-Rufai’s recent activities including convening what he described as an “illegal and chaotic” political meeting that reportedly ended in violence are part of a calculated attempt to incite unrest.

The statement accused him of exploiting old wounds and peddling dangerous lies in response to the defeat of his political allies in the August 16 bye-elections.

“His rejected candidates and incoherent coalition were resoundingly defeated in free, fair, and transparent elections that affirmed the people’s trust in the APC’s leadership and Senator Uba Sani’s progressive governance. Rather than accept this democratic outcome with dignity, El-Rufai has chosen sabotage,” Dr. Shuaibu said.

The government also dismissed allegations made by El-Rufai during a television interview, where he claimed both federal and state governments were bribing bandits.

It described the remarks as “reckless and malicious lies” intended to undermine ongoing security efforts and discredit the sacrifices of security personnel.

“These are not mere words: they are calculated, malicious lies designed to undermine security efforts, incite public anger, and legitimise criminality,” the statement said, noting that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had already debunked the claims.

The statement noted that Governor Uba Sani’s peace-building approach had led to the restoration of calm in previously troubled areas such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, and Kachia. It added that notorious bandit leaders had been neutralized and that children and farmers had returned to schools and farmlands.

“Governor Uba Sani has moved in an opposite direction: one of healing, dialogue, inclusion, and sustainable development,” the government stated.

“Through dialogue with traditional rulers, local leaders, and rural communities, the government has fostered trust in security strategies, while infrastructure, education, and healthcare have witnessed measurable improvements.”

The statement further accused El-Rufai of attempting to revive the ethno-religious divisions that characterized his administration, warning that such efforts would not succeed.

“No individual, no matter how highly placed or previously powerful, will be allowed to destabilize the state. The security and well-being of the people of Kaduna will not be sacrificed on the altar of El-Rufai’s personal vendettas or political delusions,” Dr. Shuaibu warned.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and good governance, the Kaduna State Government said the people had chosen unity over division and progress over propaganda, vowing to defend those choices.

“Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s time is over. Kaduna belongs to the future, not to the ruins of the past,” the statement concluded. (Daily Trust)