Northern group tackles El-Rufai for attacking Tinubu

A northern socio-political group, Northern Minority Alliance for Balanced Leadership has distanced itself from recent comment credited to the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the President, Bola Tinubu. Addressing journalists in Abuja, the acting National Coordinator of the group, M. B. Makama dismissed El-Rufai’s remarks, insisting that he should not be taken seriously. […]

A northern socio-political group, Northern Minority Alliance for Balanced Leadership has distanced itself from recent comment credited to the former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the President, Bola Tinubu.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the acting National Coordinator of the group, M. B. Makama dismissed El-Rufai’s remarks, insisting that he should not be taken seriously.

Makama criticised El-Rufai’s political history, describing him as a man who had benefited immensely from politics but was now fighting back after losing political relevance.

“Going by his antecedents, politically, this is a man that politics has given everything. This is a man that has benefited so much from being a politician. Now that he has lost out in the equation of things, in the equation of power struggle, he’s fighting back,” he said.

The group pointed out that El-Rufai had previously displayed similar tendencies in his dealings with former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan.

“Obviously, we know from his antecedents, we knew what he did with Yar’Adua, who was his boss. He did that with Obasanjo. He did that with Jonathan. So we expect El-Rufai to fight because he has been left behind,” Makama added.

The group expressed gratitude for the inclusion of Kaduna State in key government appointments, noting that the state produced a minister, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief of Defence Staff.

“As a minority, we have no reason whatsoever to look at Mr. President and show him unappreciative tendencies. We appreciate Mr. President for what he has done to our people. So El-Rufai is on his own, and he should not be taken seriously,” Makama stated.

Beyond political statements, the group also highlighted the need for urgent infrastructural intervention in northern Nigeria.

In particular, they drew attention to the deplorable state of the Shendam-Ibbi-Wukari Road, which links Plateau, Taraba, and Benue States.

He described the road as a crucial economic and social artery, the group lamented its poor condition, which has made travel and trade difficult for communities and businesses in the region.

“This vital road links Plateau, Taraba, and Benue States, facilitating trade and movement. However, its current condition is a nightmare for travelers and businesses.

“We appeal to Mr. President to direct urgent intervention in reconstructing this road, which is crucial for the economic and social development of the North,” they urged.