Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has launched a scathing attack on ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of fostering political violence and lacking a genuine understanding of democracy.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics Tonight on Monday, Sani said El-Rufai had no democratic credentials because he had never participated in the struggles that gave birth to Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Naijaonpoint reports that Sani said, “For people like Nasir, when they found themselves in a position or office, they don’t know what democracy is all about because they didn’t fight for it.
“He was an unknown figure before 1999 and became a PDP member. He has never been in the cell for one day. He has never been in prison. He has never worn handcuffs.”
The former lawmaker contrasted his own journey with El-Rufai’s, stressing that he endured persecution and imprisonment in the fight for democracy.
Sani further stated, “As you see me here, I have been through the rough times of my life. I’ve been through many prisons, many police stations. I wore prison uniforms, leg chains, handcuffs, all as a political prisoner fighting for this democracy that is 25 years old.”
He accused El-Rufai of institutionalising political violence during his time in office, alleging that thugs were nurtured as unofficial enforcers for his administration.
He alleged, “To show you that Nasir El-Rufai was the founder and architect of thuggery, political violence and bloodshed in Kaduna State, within the time he served as governor from 2015 to 2023, he bred a group of thugs that became his unofficial force, used against political opponents.”
The ex-senator also described El-Rufai as arrogant and intolerant, insisting that his governance style was marked by disregard for advice or caution.
Sani added, “He didn’t care when he was in office. He didn’t listen to anybody. Nobody can talk to him. Nobody can caution him. Nobody can restrain him. That’s why he can sack thousands of teachers and go free. He can sack thousands of civil servants and go free. He can demolish anybody’s house.”
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