By Olakunle Oke
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai of being a threat to Nigeria’s national security following recent allegations he made against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Fani-Kayode’s reaction comes after El-Rufai claimed he had access to Ribadu’s private communications alleging importation of dangerous chemicals by the NSA’s office and also suggesting a conspiracy involving Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, to target him.
Speaking on the controversy sparked by El-Rufai’s interview on Arise Television with journalist Charles Aniagolu, Fani-Kayode said such public admissions and accusations were reckless and damaging to national stability.
He argued that claiming to have bugged the NSA’s phone, if true, amounted to complicity with criminal actors and could undermine Nigeria’s security architecture.
Fani-Kayode recalled that he, El-Rufai, Ribadu and Uba Sani were once close allies during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when Ribadu headed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
According to him, the relationship among the former allies had deteriorated over time, with the latest accusations representing a permanent breakdown of their long-standing association.
The former minister also criticised El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, citing controversies surrounding security challenges in Southern Kaduna and Zaria, as well as alleged human rights violations and political persecution of opponents.
He referenced incidents involving the late traditional ruler Agom Adara and the detention of critics, while also accusing El-Rufai of making inflammatory statements against political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kaduna governor Ahmed Makarfi.
Fani-Kayode further argued that leaders who believe themselves innocent should seek legal redress rather than make public allegations of assassination plots or chemical weapon imports.
Drawing comparisons with past political detentions involving figures such as former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, he said resilience and respect for due process were hallmarks of credible leadership.
He also praised Ribadu’s approach to public service, describing him as disciplined and focused, while contrasting that with what he characterised as El-Rufai’s confrontational style.
Fani-Kayode claimed Ribadu had remained largely controversy-free since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu and had concentrated on addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and strengthening international cooperation.
The former minister concluded by urging El-Rufai to exercise restraint, seek reconciliation with those he may have wronged, and allow the law to take its course if investigations arise.
He warned that persistent public attacks against state institutions could deepen political tensions and undermine national unity.
