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Tag: Nasir el-Rufai

  • PDP not committed to peace accord- BMO

    The alleged threat by the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) to pull out of the peace accord they signed with the National Peace Committee has continued to receive reaction with the Buhari Media Organization (BMO) saying the party and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar were never committed to the peace deal in the first place.

    The PDP had in a statement on Wednesday threatened to pull out of the peace accord over comments made by governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai that foreign observers who interfere in the electoral process will leave the country in body bags.

    Reacting to the threat, chairman of BMO Niyi Akinsiju, said the former Vice President and his party grudgingly signed the peace pact in the first place.

    He said it took intensive pressure on PDP’s presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar before he “grudgingly consented to sign the peace accord not more than 48 hours after all willing consenters to the accord had done so.

    Read Also: PDP coming to put smile on faces of Nigerians — Obi

    “In issuing this threat at this time is in furtherance of the PDP’s Dubai agenda to build a case for the disruption of the presidential election or at the minimum, create a perception of ill will around the election with intent at discrediting the election which they know they will lose even before they commenced formal campaign.

    “To advance their evil agenda, in their desperation, they have continued to throw all manners of tantrums, rubbishing institutions of States without any modicum of patriotism and civility.”
    The BMO leader however assured that no matter the threat from the main opposition party, “the presidential election will be held peacefully and creditably well to their shame.”

    National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu Onilu could not be reached for his reaction at the time of this report.

  • FG invited our observers, EU replies El-Rufai

    The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) on Wednesday replied Governor Nasir El-Rufai and said its observers were invited for the February poll by the Federal Government.

    It said its observers are always impartial and do not interfere in the electoral process.

    It also clarified that its observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to – and beyond – the 16 February elections.

    The EU EOM, which made its position known in a statement in Abuja, said the “security of EU observers is of paramount importance and will remain under constant review.”

    The statement said: “We are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on the elections Tuesday 5 February.

    “The EU only deploys an election observation mission when it is invited to do so by the authorities of a country. The EU has been invited to observe all of the general elections in Nigeria since 1999. Thus this is the sixth time the EU is observing elections in Nigeria.

    “The Independent National Electoral Commission invited the EU to deploy an observation mission for the 2019 general elections.

    “EU election observation missions give commentary and analysis and make recommendations about the electoral process. EU election observation missions are impartial, do not interfere in the electoral process, and operate according to a strict code of conduct.”

    Notwithstanding, the EU said its observers will continue to do their work while their security remains under constant review.

    Read Also: El-Rufai: PDP threatens to pull out of peace accord

    While the security of EU observers is of paramount importance, and will remain under constant review, EU observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to – and beyond – the 16 February elections.

    The statement added: “For the last month the mission’s team in Abuja, as well as 40 long-term observers across the country, have followed the elections.

    “We have met with a wide range of candidates, parties, election officials, security agencies, and civil society organizations, and have enjoyed good cooperation at federal and state levels.

    The mission looks at all aspects of the election, including the campaign tone, the transparency of the election administration, the neutrality of security forces, and the independence of the judiciary.“

  • El-Rufai: PDP threatens to pull out of peace accord

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has threatened to pull out of the peace accord over death threats issued by the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai to officials of the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union.

    Speaking in a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) live  programme Tuesday night, El-Rufai, had threatened the foreign nationals who might interfere with Nigeria’s upcoming elections  with violent death.

    El-Rufai had said, “Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags”.

    The governor was reacting to calls by the PDP a few days ago, urging the global community to keep a watchful eye on the processes leading to the general elections, with the view to ensuring free, fair and credible polls.

    At a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan described El-Rufai’s comments as inimical to peaceful, free and fair elections.

    “The PDP is left with no option than to consider a review of its signatory in the National Peace Accord, if no action is immediately taken to curb this trend”, Ologbondiyan said.

    The main opposition party called on the international community to immediately impose a travel ban on el-Rufai for the inciting comments against peaceful elections in the country.

    It also called on the National Peace Committee, chaired by  former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar to summon El-Rufai for clarifications on the threat.

    “The PDP holds that any situation that seeks to allow the APC to abuse the tenets of the accord will definitely force our party to review our signatory to the peace process.

    “We therefore call on the National Peace Committee to immediately summon el-Rufai on his inflammatory remarks against peaceful election in our country.

    “In that regard, we might have no option left than to allow our members to defend their votes with whatever that is available to them.

    Read Also: Onnoghen must go – El-Rufai

    “This country belongs to all of us and no individual or group, no matter how highly placed, can subjugate other citizens or seek to appropriate any sort of absolutism to themselves”

    The PDP has similarly kicked against what it described as an alleged plot by the police authorities to redeploy Commissioner of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to Kwara State Command as Commissioner of Police.

    The opposition party alleged closeness of Egbetokun to a section of the leadership of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).

    This, according to the PDP, might lead to Egbetokun taking sides in the ongoing supremacy tussle between the PDP and the APC chapters in Kwara State.

    Ologbondiyan continued, “This is in line with plans by the Buhari Presidency and the APC to effect a mass deployment of top security officers, particularly the police, to intimidate, harass and manhandle Nigerians that will not support the self-succession bid of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as aiding APC thugs to snatch ballot boxes and orchestrate violence in the elections.

    “Nigerians are aware of how CP Kayode Egbetokun was posted to Lagos State by the disgraced former Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, to serve the same partisan interest and how that posting was stopped by the new IGP Adamu Mohammed. Now, he is being redeployed to Kwara State for the same ignoble plot.

    “It is necessary to state that the PDP is a party of peace and we are committed to the peace accord. However, the deployment of Kayode Egbetokun as Kwara CP directly negates the principle of the Peace Accord and can only hurt the fragile peace that currently exists in Kwara state.

    “We wish to remind the acting Inspector General, Adamu Mohammed that his acceptability among Nigerians across party line was based on the pedigree, which was presented to Nigerians before his appointment.

    “These pedigree and exposure place on his shoulders, the responsibility to be just, firm, equitable and professional in the discharge of his duties. We therefore urge him not to allow his reputation to be mired in controversial political activities”.

    The party called on the National Peace Committee to note the alleged infractions by the APC and its leaders to the peace accord.

    It also drew the attention of the Committee to how the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje on Tuesday shut down all stadia in Kano city in order to frustrate the PDP presidential campaign rally schedule to hold in the state.

     

  • El-Rufai desperate to rig elections, CUPP alleges

    Coalition of United Political Parties, (CUPP) on Tuesday alleged that, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is desperate to use his state sponsored security operatives to manipulate and rig the forthcoming elections.

    The coalition made the allegation at a press briefing in Kaduna, noting that Governor El-Rufai in his desperation to manipulate the elections recently inaugurated a new security operatives in the guise of ‘Kaduna State Local Government Safety and Emergency Management Volunteers,’ which he intended to use as Polling Unit Guards.

    The state Chairman of CUPP, Hon. Umar Ibrahim Mairakumi while addressing pressman hinted that the governor is working hard to obtain approval from INEC and to influence the Kaduna State Police Command to accept his state sponsored Kaduna Vigilante Services popularly known as “Kato da Gora,” as part of the election security team.

    Noting that any attempt to manipulate the forthcoming elections will be resisted,  Mairakumi however  called on all security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to ensure that the process and conduct of the 2019 general election is not only free and fair but credible and in line with international best practices.

    In another development, Governor El-Rufai, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru Kudan, and other governorship candidates had earlier signed a Peace Accord to ensure a conduct of free, fair and credible elections and a peaceful transition of political power.

    Read Also: Corruption: ‘Buhari is on the right track’

    The gubernatorial candidates signed the peace deal at the Kaduna State Police Command Headquarters

    The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Abdulrahman whom in his remarks assured that the security agents will be firm and fair while discharging their duties, told the politicians at the gathering that winning election into public office should not be a desperate task.

    The CP who called on all and sundry to partner with the security agencies in ensuring a hitch-free campaign and violence-free elections added that: “violence free election is a fundamental means to sustainable peace and development.”

    He said: “the Peace Accord signifies our respective commitment to peace and symbolizes respect for the rule of law.

    “I want to suggest that, candidates and supporters must accept the outcome as announced by the constituted authorities, rather than make trouble because the results are not in one’s favour.

    “Let us prepare our minds to accept the results for the sake of our dear nation. While those who will emerge as winners must not allow themselves and their supporters when jubilating, to tease and provoke the other sides.”

    In an interview with journalists shortly after the peace deal, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Isa Ashiru called on INEC to provide a level playing ground for all political parties during the elections, adding that “they (INEC) should play the role of unbiased umpire and they should be free and fair to all.”

    When asked on how the party will ensure that it supporters are law abiding, he said, “our supporters have been law abiding and we have had series of visits across the state.”

  • Onnoghen must go – El-Rufai

    *Says even Dangote can’t forget $1m in account

     

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Friday dismissed as untenable alleged claim by the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN),Justice Walter Onnoghen that he (Onnoghen) forgot to declare $3million dollars in his accounts.

    El-Rufai said in Kaduna that even Alhaji Alio Dangote with all his wealth cannot forget $1million in an account.

    The governor spoke while receiving a solidarity letter from members of Coalition of Civil Society Organizations who took to the streets of Kaduna to express support for the action taken by President Muhammadu Buhari against the suspended CJN.

    He said: “the case with Justice Onnoghen is a very sad one. Othman Dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto caliphate wrote that the worst form of corruption you can find in any public service is judicial corruption. This is because when the president is corrupt or the governor is corrupt, it is to the judge that ordinary people can take their case to.

    “The president did the right thing by asking him to step aside pending investigation. It is the proper thing to do. It is what is done in every organized and civilized society.

    “Unfortunately, some people in Nigeria are trying to make white black and black, white. They are using technicalities to delay bringing this man to justice.

    “Mr. President did not remove Onnoghen from office. He said in honour of the judiciary, he should step aside so that the charges against him can be investigated and prosecuted.

    “But the man does not want to go.It is time for Nigerians to come all out and tell him he must go. Our judiciary must be clean. Our judiciary must consist of judges who cannot be bought.

    Read Also: PDP plans to disrupt elections – El-Rufai

    “The case of Justice Onnoghen is the case in which somebody who has worked in government for the past 20 years suddenly has millions of dollars in his account, he has admitted but says he has forgotten about it.

    “I do not think Dangote will forget $1 Million in his account.”

    Leaders of the civil society organisations, Comrade Zubairu Muktar and Arc Abubakar R Abubakar hailed Buhari for taking steps to restore the lost glory of Nigeria’s judiciary .

    They pledged the coalition’s continued support for government to “purge out corruption embedded in the Nigerian system which has become a hindrance to the economic, political and social development of our dear nation.”

  • PDP plans to disrupt elections – El Rufai

    Governor Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna state has alleged that intelligence reports suggest that, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to disrupt the  coming election because of the imminent defeat in the coming election.

    The governor who disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting at Kudan town on Sunday, however assured the people of Kaduna state that security agents are already on the alert to ensure peaceful elections.

    According to him, the reports didn’t suggest that the opposition party will forment trouble in Kaduna state but government is not taking chances.

    In his words: “As a leader, it is my responsibility to tell you what is being planned because there are alot of PDP bigwigs in Kudan local government and they may try to disturb the peace of this area,” El Rufai argued

    The governor who said that any reasonable person will not want to cause trouble in his locality, however said that PDP chieftains are not always reasonable.

    Kudan is the hometown of Hon. Isa  Ashiru, the PDP governorship candidate. Similarly, Hunkuyi which is the headquarters of Kudan local government, is the hometown of Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, El Rufai’s estranged political ally who is the senatorial candidate of PDP.

    Speaking further, Governor El Rufai advised the people of Kudan local government to shun any politician who approaches them with a plot to cause crisis in the run up to the polls or during elections.

    “If any politician approaches any of you  to cause violence, ask him to bring his child so that you will execute the plot together. Politicians are fond of using the children of the masses for nefarious activities while their children are either schooling somewhere,  or are safe abroad,” he advised.

    According to the governor, “no life is better than the other. The life of a rich man’s son is no more precious than the life of a poor man’s son. Also, the life of an educated person’s son is of equal value as the life of an illiterate’s son”.

    Read Also: El Rufai’s free education, feeding policy

    El Rufai however assured that government will provide adequate security on election day for people to vote candidates of their choice.

    “Politics is about conviction. There is no compulsion in politics. Sibblings of the same family can vote for different parties or candidates. It is our duty as a government to ensure security so that people can exercise their franchise,” he pointed out.

    The governor also explained why he chose Dr Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate, arguing that his choice has nothing to do with religion or ethnicity but her competence.

    El Rufai said that, “ethno-religious considerations have always informed the choice of deputy governors since 1992 but it has not brought peace in Kaduna state.”

    The governor said that it is time to discard politics of religion and ethnicity and embrace a merit based system that will bring progress and development in the country.

    All the stakeholders who spoke at the meeting promised to vote all APC candidates in next election.

  • Armed Forces Remembrance Day: El-Rufai applauds Nigerian Army

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, on Tuesday in Kaduna described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as significant in reflecting on the sacrifices made by the military to unite and ensure peace in the country.

    El-Rufai who made the remarks after the wreath laying ceremony as part of activities to mark the Day, commended the immense contributions of the military to national security.

    He said the sacrifices by the military and other security agencies must be appreciated by all Nigerians, especially the gallant efforts they are making to tackle insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

    Read Also: El-Rufai decries ethnic, religious politics

    ”The armed forces are sacrificing their live day and night to ensure security of lives and properties of all citizens and we must appreciate and encourage them,” he said.

    The governor expressed satisfaction with efforts being made by the Federal Government to address the welfare of legionnaires.

    Also, state Chairman of Nigeria Legion, John Tabat called for more support to families of the fallen heroes across the country.

    NAN

  • Gov. El-Rufa’i Loses Brother, AVM Aliyu Rufai

    The death has been announced of retired AVM Aliyu Ahmad Rufai, the elder brother of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i.
    A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, said the retired Air Vice Marshal died in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja.
    The deceased  was born on Nov. 10, 1948 in Zaria, Kaduna State and was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1972.
    Aliyu retired in 2002 at the rank of Air Vice Marshall after a meritorious military career.
    He is survived by his wife, Hajiya Safiya Rufai, six children, brothers and sisters, including Gov. El-Rufai and Alhaji Bashir Ahmad El-Rufai.
    The burial prayer is scheduled to hold at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Ungwan Sarki, Kaduna by 4pm.

  • Culture, veritable tool for unity, progress – el-Rufai

    Kaduna governor Nasir el-Rufa’i has described culture as a “veritable tool for unity and progress”, and stressed the need for communities to revive and promote it.

    The governor, in a speech at the annual Moro’a Cultural Day celebration held at Manchok, Kaura Local Area, on Saturday, said that government would continue to leverage on cultural celebrations to foster togetherness to hasten development.

    Represented by Dr. Hadiza Balarabe,  his running mate in the forthcoming governorship election, el-Rufa’i said that cultural activities had always provided a rallying point for people of different status and faith.

    The governor assured the people of government’s resolve to accord due recognition to the vital role of culture in the area of peace-building, urging them to strive to ensure that the forthcoming polls were hitch-free.

    Earlier, the President, Moro’a Development Association (MDA), Mr Daniel Gaggah, had assured the state governor that the community would not relent in complementing the government’s efforts aimed at promoting  peace.

    In his  remarks, Chief of Moro’a, Malam Tagwai Sambo, said that the Moro’a Cultural Day was usually an opportunity for his people to thank God for a bumper harvest and relative peace in his domain.

    Sambo, however, appealed for the speedy completion of the School of Statistics sited in the community, and also called for a quality drainage system to ease economic activities in the area. (NAN)

  • El-Rufai decries ethnic, religious politics

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has decried the manipulation of religion and ethnicity for political interests, saying that it is holding back the progress of Nigeria.

    This was as El-Rufai also explained that the choice of Dr. Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate was influenced by considerations of competence, developing the state and pulling the talents of the women.

    El-Rufai who featured in a Hausa vernacular programme of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Kaduna on Saturday, said that people in their business, travels and daily lives look for who can give them results, not the faith of that person.

    According to him, “If you are sick and in dire need of life, when you are rushed to hospital, what do you need? Life or religion of the doctor?

    “Life is what you need and you will not waste time on the religion and ethnicity of the doctor.

    “When you are flying, do you care about the religion or ethnicity of the pilot or a safe flight?

    Read Also: El-Rufai signs N157bn 2019 budget into law

    “It’s the same thing with business and investment. You hire those who can make your investment profitable.

    “But when it comes to public service, some people will not be concerned about real development but will start talking of religion and ethnicity.

    “This is a serious problem and is part of the reasons for Nigeria’s retrogression.

    “Our action was not predicated on religion or ethnicity but getting a Deputy Governor, that suits our quest for a better Kaduna State.”

    Malam El-Rufai disclosed that some elite who assume they owned the state and must dictate how it is run are unhappy that he has focused on the needs of the ordinary citizens.

    He said that he is determined that the “resources of Kaduna State must be used for the health care, security, education and economic development of ordinary citizens who have lost access to basic infrastructure for decades.

    “The barrier to progress erected by the elite and a few individuals must be broken. And we will not be intimidated or distracted from putting the ordinary citizen first by mundane and divisive politics.

    “Our trust is in God. This gives us the confidence that the ordinary citizens of Kaduna State see and appreciate what we are doing, and will support us to victory,” he said.