POLITICS TODAY

The Kaduna State Government has issued a blistering rebuttal to what it described as “fabricated, politically-charged falsehoods” made by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who alleged during a Channels TV interview that Governor Uba Sani authorised the payment of ₦1 billion to bandits.

In a strongly worded statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, the government said El-Rufai’s claim was “devoid of evidence, context, and credibility,” insisting it was crafted to mislead the public and undermine the significant gains recorded in securing the state.

“It is profoundly disappointing that a former governor would recklessly weaponise a sensitive issue like security to inflame passions and destabilise public confidence,” the statement said. “What the moment demands is statesmanship and truth, not political theatrics.”

Governor Uba Sani, the release emphasised, has “never met, spoken to, negotiated with, or authorised the payment of a single kobo to any bandit,” noting that his position has been consistent across interviews, town halls, and media engagements.

The government also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had previously dismissed similar allegations from El-Rufai, labelling them “unfounded and disconnected from security realities,” and affirming that neither the Federal Government nor any state pays ransom to criminal groups.

Community groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance—whose areas witnessed severe banditry during El-Rufai’s tenure—were cited as having openly debunked the former governor’s claims.

In a sharp counterpoint, the statement also noted that figures from El-Rufai’s own former administration had, in the past, accused him of authorising payments to placate bandits and herders, describing his current outrage as “paradoxical.”

The government insisted that Kaduna is now implementing a community-driven security architecture anchored on intelligence-led operations, social investments, and collaboration with lawful local structures—not payments to criminals.

It challenged El-Rufai to publish any proof he claims to have, such as bank records, memos, or security documents. “After his previous unsubstantiated claims in September 2025, no evidence has surfaced,” it noted.

The government has given El-Rufai one week to retract his statement and tender an apology or face “appropriate legal measures” to protect public order.

“The era of sensational claims without evidence has passed,” the statement concluded. “A new era of responsible and principled security governance has taken root in Kaduna State.”