The presidency has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of double standards over his stance on negotiations with bandits.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a post on X on Monday, described the former governor as a “master of ambivalence”, alleging that he once led efforts to pay bandits in a bid to restore peace but now condemns the same strategy for political reasons.
READ ALSO: El-Rufai Accuses ONSA, Kaduna Govt of Paying Bandits, Politicizing Security
“Malam Nasir El-Rufai is the master of ambivalence. Once upon a time, he supported and led the way in paying bandits to calm them. Today, in the name of politics, he opposes it,” Onanuga wrote.
In recent weeks, El-Rufai has openly criticised the Bola Tinubu administration over its approach to fighting insecurity, particularly its position against negotiating with terrorists and bandits. His comments have triggered mixed reactions, with the government accusing him of spreading falsehood.
The Tinubu administration has consistently reiterated that it will not pay ransom to criminal groups, insisting that such a move would only embolden banditry and terrorism across the country.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
