Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has openly dismissed criticism labeling him a fundamentalist, stating that those making such claims are simply uninformed and have never worked with him. In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, El-Rufai made it clear that he isn’t fazed by these accusations, adding that he remains resolutely unbothered by what his critics think.
“I don’t care. The people who think I am a fundamentalist don’t know me; they have never met me. They have formed their own opinions,” El-Rufai said, highlighting that his critics’ ignorance is rooted in their lack of personal interactions with him. He continued by emphasizing that his indifference is a key part of his leadership style, which has drawn ire from his detractors.
El-Rufai further remarked, “The reason my enemies hate me so much is that I don’t care what they think. I’m very comfortable with who I am.” This bold declaration reinforced his stance on being unapologetically himself, which, according to him, has earned him animosity from various quarters.
Addressing concerns about his leadership style, particularly in Southern Kaduna, El-Rufai rejected claims that he exhibited hostility towards the region during his tenure. “People can think whatever they want, but I do not tolerate nonsense. Governance is not a joke,” he asserted.
In his tenure as the governor of Kaduna, El-Rufai governed a diverse population of over 10 million people, and he didn’t shy away from making tough decisions. He pointed out that, in such a large state, it was important to make distinctions between individuals and groups, asserting that he never allowed religion or personal interests to influence his governance.
He responded to allegations that he allowed unfair treatment in Southern Kaduna, clarifying that while some individuals felt entitled to act with impunity, he made sure that laws applied equally to all, irrespective of their religion. “No one can blackmail me into allowing certain individuals to break the law simply because of their religion,” he stated, pointing out that some of his closest colleagues in government were from Southern Kaduna and knew firsthand that such claims were unfounded.
El-Rufai also took pride in his efforts to reform the state, mentioning his successful efforts to curtail wasteful government spending and eradicate irregular practices during his administration. He defended his approach by noting that leadership, especially at the scale of Kaduna, requires a tough stance and the ability to implement necessary changes for the greater good of the people.
In conclusion, El-Rufai made it clear that his approach to governance was always centered on pragmatic decision-making, rather than appeasing critics. For him, the needs of the people and the proper functioning of the state have always come first, and he will not be swayed by unfounded accusations or political attacks.
