Shehu Sani raps El-Rufai, Amaechi over criticism of Tinubu

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

Former Senator Shehu Sani has criticized ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi for their recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing them of hypocrisy and selfish political motives.

The former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, reacted to their blame of Tinubu’s policies for the rising hunger and poverty in the country, stating that both El-Rufai and Amaechi lack the moral authority to criticize the current administration as they failed to address these same issues during their time in office.

“El-Rufai and Amaechi should hang their heads in shame,” Sani expressed during a press briefing at his residence in Kaduna. “They are the architects of the banditry, poverty, and hunger they now claim to lament.

 During their tenures, they did nothing to resolve these problems, and now they complain simply because they have been excluded from the current government.”

Sani’s remarks were prompted by El-Rufai’s recent comments during a public lecture in honor of Amaechi, where the former Kaduna governor stated that “urban bandits” had taken control of governance in Nigeria. Sani dismissed these comments as self-serving and insincere.

“There’s nothing wrong with criticizing a government,” Sani stated. “However, when such criticism arises from personal disappointment over missed appointments rather than a genuine concern for the populace, it becomes dangerous.”

He further accused former officials from the Muhammadu Buhari administration of attempting to undermine Tinubu’s government after failing to secure positions in his cabinet. “These individuals controlled the country for eight years. They had the power, resources, and influence to transform the North into a socio-economic model for the entire nation. Instead, they left it in a worse state,” Sani lamented.

He urged Nigerians to recognize the progress made under the current government, albeit limited, particularly in terms of security. “Today, people can travel the Birnin Gwari road, which was once a deadly route due to constant bandit attacks. The southern part of Kaduna, once considered abandoned, is now relatively peaceful thanks to the efforts of the current Chief of Defence,” he noted.

While acknowledging that insecurity still exists in parts of Northern Nigeria, such as Katsina and Zamfara States, Sani insisted that the situation has improved compared to what it was under the previous administration. He encouraged President Tinubu to do more for Northern Nigeria while also promoting openness to criticism, provided it is constructive and not motivated by political bitterness.

“Nigeria must learn from its past,” Sani concluded. “The country will only achieve greatness when development is evenly distributed, and criticism is driven by patriotism rather than self-interest.”