Expose on the Thoughts and Intellectual Betrayal by Olamilekan Yesbit against El-Rufai

By Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai

Attacking Mallam Nasir El-Rufai may not yield any fruit as this might just be the precursor to a more intricate revelation. Should the mischief-makers persist in adding baseless and malicious allegations, the situation could escalate further. These are truly captivating times in Nigerian politics. In today’s globally connected environment, the proliferation of misinformation has emerged as a potent weapon wielded by adversaries to sow chaos, manipulate, and shape public opinion.

Moreover, individuals of this nature exploit opportunities to fabricate narratives that effectively counteract the effects of misinformation, thereby preventing political polarization driven by falsified stories or misrepresented facts. This behaviour leads to societal divisions, confusion, violence, and personal attacks.

In the realm of deception, figures like Yesbit engage in the art of showcasing falsehoods while concealing the truth. They craft counterfeit narratives with the sole purpose of deceiving others, employing mimicry, invention, and decoys along the way. It is indeed lamentable that in an era where knowledge and information are ubiquitous, instances of intellectual betrayal emerge. These betrayals occur when individuals misuse their awareness, data, and intelligence to fulfil personal desires, disseminating misinformation to manipulate public opinion or gain advantages.

Yesbit’s failure to verify precise and credible information about Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, opting instead for manipulation and falsification of authentic facts, is regrettable and undermines El-Rufai’s character. Yesbit’s portrayal of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai contains numerous indicators of intellectual betrayal through the propagation of fake news and the manipulation of contextual narratives.

Let us revisit Yesbit’s absurd accusations against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in a quest to uncover the depths of intellectual betrayal.

Why, when El-Rufai is advocating for the presidency to be shifted to Southern Nigeria and rallying behind the candidacy of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were you not supportive at that time? Why couldn’t you support his presidential bid then?

Those familiar with the antecedents, especially with what is happening in Kaduna State politics, will undoubtedly attest to El-Rufai’s critical role in the emergence of Senator Uba Sani as the Executive Governor of Kaduna State.

El-Rufai when the vast majority of Kaduna State yearned for good governance and development, went against all odds to confront the enemies of Kaduna citizens who were hindering progress. He effectively removed the two senators who were blocking opportunities for the betterment of Kaduna citizens.

El-Rufai pushed back against even his fellow Northerners and vocally insisted that the next President must come from Southern Nigeria. Where were you then?

Despite his close association with his former boss, Muhammadu Buhari, El-Rufai vehemently opposed the controversial Naira redesign policy and even went to court, challenging the decision up to the Supreme Court. Where were you and your co-sponsors during those struggles?

It is worth noting that El-Rufai personally intended to retire from active politics immediately after his tenure as Governor. However, prominent personalities, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealed to him not to retire, citing his capabilities and accomplishments. President Tinubu specifically asked El-Rufai not to proceed his retirement plan, which he graciously accepted.

El-Rufai was once invited by some prominent personalities in the Northern region to obtain a Presidential nomination form and run in 2023, but he turned down the offer and clearly declared his support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It’s essential to note El-Rufai’s crucial role in the emergence of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Kashim Shettima ticket, despite opposition, including yours. Therefore, your claim that El-Rufai is undermining the Tinubu administration is baseless, misleading, and lacks evidence.

In May 2019, at a conference, El-Rufai expressed his determination to address issues such as godfatherism not only in Lagos but also elsewhere, which he successfully did. Three key factors could affect Tinubu’s aspirations: shifting power to the South, El-Rufai’s crucial role in actualizing this shift, his acceptability during the primary election process, where he provided significant support, and his efforts to ensure Tinubu secures power.

Mal Nasir consistently reminds us of the instructions he received from respected individuals from the Southwest, emphasizing the mutual relationships that existed. El-Rufai’s actions were driven by valid reasons during that time.

Regarding Bukola Saraki, it’s undeniable that his supporters collaborated with an opposition party, inviting them to weaken the ruling party. They aimed to hinder Buhari’s administration from fully enjoying its remaining tenure. However, their plans were thwarted by Mal Nasir’s decisive actions, countering their efforts and preventing a repeat of their previous successes against former President Goodluck Jonathan. El-Rufai’s courageous stance against these elements, including those in collusion with elements in the PDP, faced challenges but ultimately triumphed over their disruptive intentions.

It’s only a matter of time before the truth unfolds, and the signs are vividly etched on the horizon for all to witness. El-Rufai’s boldness in speaking truth to power has elevated him above his political peers, standing tall as a paragon of accomplishment and performance. Regardless of his position of authority, El-Rufai has pledged unwavering dedication to Nigeria, establishing himself as a statesman with a proven record of leadership and impactful results.

Notably, even his adversaries acknowledge his pivotal role in orchestrating Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s triumph, underscoring his strategic acumen and ability to transform vision into tangible outcomes. El-Rufai’s adeptness at positioning Kaduna as a beacon of development and economic prosperity sets an unprecedented benchmark in history. Little wonder his former employer, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, lauded him as an exceptional collaborator, asserting that any task entrusted to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai would be executed to perfection.

Hence, we urge Mr. Yesbit and associates to step forward and vie for political office to demonstrate their competence. The world eagerly anticipates their participation, awaiting confirmation of their representation or lack thereof. Should Mallam Nasir relinquish power, why not seize the opportunity to wield influence yourself? Let us encourage you to put forth your candidacy and test your fortunes. The ongoing personal attacks and political vendettas orchestrated against El-Rufai by self-serving entities will not diminish his relevance and influence in Nigeria’s political arena.

Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai writes from Kano, Nigeria