BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
A civic group under the aegis of Concerned Kaduna Citizens has described as false and politically motivated the allegation by former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, that the current administration paid ₦1billion to bandits.
Addressing a press conference on Monday in Kaduna, the Convener of the group, Abdulrashid Teslim said the claim aired on Channels Television lacked evidence and appeared aimed at discrediting Governor Uba Sani’s administration while undermining public confidence in the State’s security framework.
Teslim stated that no such payment was ever made and insisted that the Kaduna State Government maintains a clear policy of no negotiation, no payments and no dealings with bandits, stressing that all security engagements are carried out strictly within the confines of the law.
According to him, the former governor’s statement was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension in the State at a time when coordinated efforts are being intensified to tackle insecurity through intelligence-led operations, community peacebuilding and socio-economic interventions.
Teslim noted that issues bordering on security should be handled with responsibility and sincerity, rather than being exploited for political relevance or personal vendetta.
He further referenced a clarification issued by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which reportedly denied any ransom payment by Kaduna State Government or any government institution under official security policy, describing El-Rufai’s allegation as inconsistent with national security realities.
The group also recalled that Kaduna recorded heightened insecurity during El-Rufai’s tenure when compared to previous administrations under Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Namadi Sambo and Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, whom it said maintained relative peace and cohesion across the state.
“Kaduna needs unity, stability and collective responsibility. Divisive comments and unverified allegations only undermine the progress being made by the current administration”.
The group urged the former governor to show restraint and adopt a more statesmanlike approach by supporting ongoing peace efforts rather than making statements capable of deepening distrust among citizens.
The Concerned Kaduna Citizens reaffirmed its support for Governor Uba Sani, pledging to continue standing for transparency, peace and accountable governance in the state.
