The Presidency on Sunday described the recent public statements by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as a calculated attempt to generate political tension and divert attention from alleged N432 billion corruption allegations in Kaduna State.

Reacting to El-Rufai’s letter to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in which he sought clarification over an alleged procurement of Thallium Sulphate from Poland, the Presidency said the former governor was spreading falsehoods to create fear and position himself as a victim.

In a post on his verified X handle, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Temitope Ajayi, insisted that there was no government procurement or importation of Thallium Sulphate into Nigeria through the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Ajayi further alleged that El-Rufai had received a response from the NSA’s office but chose not to make it public.

“El-Rufai certainly got a reply to his letter from the NSA’s office, and he should be honourable enough to release it just as he mischievously released his own letter,” Ajayi stated.

According to the Presidency, the former governor’s actions were driven by two motives: to destabilise the political environment through misinformation and to deflect from corruption allegations he is facing in Kaduna State.

“The truth is: Mallam El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his recent actions and tantrums. One, to create political tension in the country and damage the government through deliberate misinformation. Two, to divert attention from his domestic problems in Kaduna State, where he is facing massive corruption allegations,” Ajayi said.

The Presidency argued that El-Rufai was attempting to “nationalise his personal problems” because, in its view, Nigerians would not sympathise with him over corruption allegations.

It also questioned his political standing in Kaduna, asking how he allegedly lost the support of critical stakeholders after serving eight years as governor.

The statement referenced the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that all 28 members endorsed a call for investigation into the N432 billion claims.

It further noted that the anti-graft agencies had reportedly invited the former governor.

Urging El-Rufai to address the allegations, the Presidency said he should focus on responding to the probe rather than engaging in what it described as political theatrics. (Text, excluding headline: AriseNews TV)