Kaduna Group Backs Defence Minister and Calls El-Rufai Government Divisive, Arbitrary

A Kaduna interfaith group has defended Defence Minister General Christopher Musa after his remarks about the administration of former Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, calling the minister’s assessment “an honest and patriotic assessment.”

The Kaduna State Muslim-Christian Network for Good Governance condemned what it described as an attempt to damage Musa’s reputation after his interview with a national television station. In a statement signed by Chairman Tahir Tanko, Secretary Steven Kefas, and five other officials, the group said it represented Muslims and Christians committed to unity, peaceful coexistence, and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria.

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an honest and patriotic assessment

The network said residents were “living witnesses to the divisive and arbitrary rule of Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai between 2015 and 2023.” It accused the former administration of dismissing thousands of traditional rulers and workers without due process, overseeing the unjust killings of Shiites, mishandling insecurity, and demolishing markets and homes without just cause or compensation.

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living witnesses to the divisive and arbitrary rule of Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai between 2015 and 2023

The group also alleged that Christian and Muslim leaders who criticized government policies faced abuse, arrest, and imprisonment. It referred to a widely circulated video in which El-Rufai allegedly discussed marginalization and urged Islamic and political leaders to maintain that agenda for at least 20 years. The network further accused him of repeatedly seeking to use religion as a political weapon, particularly during elections.

“We are appalled by the selective amnesia and ethno-religious rhetoric contained in some of the commentaries and rejoinders to the Honourable Minister’s honest and patriotic assessment of the administration of former Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai in Kaduna State,” the group said.

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We are appalled by the selective amnesia and ethno-religious rhetoric contained in some of the commentaries and rejoinders to the Honourable Minister’s honest and patriotic assessment of the administration of former Governor Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai in Kaduna State.