“…We have allowed urban bandits take over the governance of our country” – El-Rufai
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has criticized the current state of governance in Nigeria, saying that bandits have taken over positions of authority in the country, iNews Times reports.
El-Rufai who spoke at a public lecture to celebrate former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amechi, lamented that Nigerians have allowed “urban bandits” to govern the country.
“We have allowed bandits, not the ones in the bushes, but urban bandits, to take over the governance of our country,” El-Rufai said.
The former governor emphasized the need for Nigerians to choose leaders with competence, capability, capacity, and commitment to move the country forward ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar who also spoke at the event, accused the current administration of weaponizing poverty.
“We are in this alliance to make sure we don’t allow them to continue weaponizing poverty,” Atiku said.
He praised Rotimi Amechi as one of the few capable and committed leaders in the country.
Also speaking, the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, highlighted the reality of poverty in Nigeria, saying that the country’s elites do not truly understand the issue.
He noted that poverty in urban areas is nothing compared to the dire situation in rural villages.
Sanusi emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize the welfare of their people and invest in essential services like healthcare and education.
The event featured a gathering of notable figures, including El-Rufai, Atiku, and Amechi, who are reportedly working together to build a coalition to take Nigeria “back on track.”