The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Monday, accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of misleading the public with his claim that his administration never obstructed any group from holding meetings, describing the statement as “a blatant distortion of the truth.”
In a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the CNG described El-Rufai’s assertion as “misleading and a blatant distortion of the truth,” accusing the former governor of repeatedly undermining democratic freedoms during his administration.
He said: “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) finds it imperative to address recent statements made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, wherein he asserted that during his eight-year tenure as governor, he had never obstructed any group from convening meetings.
“This claim is not only misleading but also a blatant distortion of the truth, reflective of the governor’s characteristic propensity for falsehoods. We, the CNG, our mandate includes the promotion of dialogue, peacebuilding, and the enhancement of democratic values across the region. In this spirit, we convened a crucial summit on December 14, 2022, at the historic Arewa House.
“This gathering brought together esteemed elders, retired security personnel, and religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian communities throughout the North. The objective was to engage in a constructive discourse regarding the pressing security challenges that have beset our region and to devise practical solutions to these issues.
“However, our efforts to foster dialogue were met with hostility and aggression. El-Rufai, rather than supporting a peaceful exchange of ideas, chose to unleash armed thugs to disrupt our summit. The thugs invaded the venue, broke chairs and tables, slashed at participants wounding many while several elderly men had to escape through windows and sustained degrees of injuries.
“Amidst the mayhem, our people were able to arrest one of the assailants, a notorious thug who affiliation with the government is well known, handed him over to the police, only to be released the following day.
“This act of intimidation not only violated our fundamental rights to assembly and free speech but also underscored the governor’s intolerance for dissenting voices. The actions taken against the CNG on that day were emblematic of a broader pattern of suppression that has characterized El-Rufai’s administration.
“It is disheartening to witness a leader who, instead of uniting the people of Kaduna State, resorted to tactics of fear and violence to silence legitimate discourse. The governor’s claims of never having blocked any group from holding meetings are not merely false; they are a denial of the lived experiences of many who have faced similar intimidation under his regime. The CNG stands as a testament to the resilience of the people who refuse to be silenced.”
CNG further noted that recent disruptions of political gatherings linked to El-Rufai were an illustration of “karma,” stressing that the former governor is beginning to face consequences for his policies, including what the group described as unjust demolitions of homes and businesses.
He added, “The very fabric of justice is woven with threads of accountability, and it is evident that the ex-governor is beginning to reap the consequences of his actions. The unjust demolitions of homes and businesses, the suppression of free speech, and the intimidation of peaceful citizens are not acts that go unpunished. The winds of change are blowing through Kaduna, and the people are awakening to the reality that their voices matter.
“As we reflect on El-Rufai’s tenure, it becomes increasingly clear that his administration had been marked by a disregard for the democratic principles that underpin our society. The CNG calls upon all citizens of Kaduna State to remain vigilant and to stand firm against any form of oppression.
“Finally, the CNG reminds El-Rufai that the repercussions of his actions will be both relentless and haunting. He has”murdered sleep,” and his conscience will be burdened by the consequences of his policies, particularly the demolition of homes and businesses that have uprooted countless lives.
“El-Rufai should expect the wrath of the law of inevitable retribution, as those who have suffered under his governance, whose properties were unjustly annexed or reallocated—will not simply fade into obscurity. This warning underscores a broader sentiment of accountability, emphasizing that leaders cannot escape the ramifications of their decisions.
“As the ghostly echoes of discontent grow louder, El-Rufai may find that the very foundations of his authority are shaken by the ghosts of those he has wronged, reminding us all that the path of governance is fraught with moral responsibilities that cannot be ignored.
“El-Rufai’s saga should serve as a reminder to all leaders that power is transient and whatever goes up must come down.”
