OPINION: It’s too late for an ex-convict Zamani Lekwot to seek sympathy for baseless accusations against El-Rufa’i

By Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai

In a recent interview with Arise TV, ex-convict and ethnic jingoist Zamani Lekwot once again made disparaging remarks about Mal Nasir El-rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State. Lekwot, who was previously sentenced to death by hanging for his involvement in the 1992 Zangon-kataf riot, seeks to gain sympathy and attention for his past atrocities.

Lekwot’s comments against Mal Nasir El-rufai, a well-respected elder statesman of impeccable character, are baseless and malicious. Under El-Rufai’s leadership, Kaduna State thrived and became a model for the entire northern region of Nigeria.

It is clear that Lekwot’s frustrations stem from his fear of no-nonsense figures like Mal Nasir El-rufai. It is important also to note that people who are set in their ways are unlikely to change.

Lekwot’s pattern of toxic behaviour and his history of inciting violence reveal his true nature. It is therefore unsurprising that he is resorting to smear campaigns and baseless accusations in a desperate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a leader like Mal Nasir El-rufai.

The people of Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole condemn Lekwot’s hateful campaigns and call on him to cease his actions that only serve to sow discord and incite conflict.

His reckless behaviour and ungodly comments are a hindrance to peace and progress in the entire northern region and Nigeria as a whole.

Moreover, justice must be upheld, and those found guilty of crimes against humanity, including Lekwot, masterminder of Zangon-kataf riot, should face the consequences of their actions.

The Nigerian population has been vocal about the need for all individuals responsible for such crimes to be held accountable.

In contrast, Mal Nasir El-rufai has etched his name forever in the history of Kaduna and Nigeria as a patriotic and non-tribalistic leader. His commitment, sacrifices, and dedication to his responsibilities have set him apart from his colleagues. Unlike Lekwot a blood thirsty bigot, Mal Nasir takes responsibility and speaks the truth to those in power, regardless of the consequences.

It is disheartening to witness Lekwot’s attempts to block the path to peace by engaging in propaganda and instigating conflict.

Incidents in the past like blocking Kaduna-Abuja road and the eruption of crises in Kaduna state that further exacerbate tensions and disrupt the lives and properties of the people has become the thing of the past.

During the tenure of Mal Nasir El-rufai criminals and bandits have no hiding place as he pursue them personally with security teams along Abuja and Kaduna road.

He consistently call upon the security agencies during the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to do every possible means to eliminate the criminals in their hiding places across the country.

Therefore, if someone like Lekwot who was sentenced to death for committing crimes against humanity accuses El-Rufa’i by his mis-guided utterances, clearly, then it shows he is unlikely to change his ways.

The only way forward is to uphold justice for all individuals, without favouritism or bias. It is essential to foster an environment of fairness and equality, where every person is held accountable for their actions.

The victims affected by the carnage orchestrated by Zamani Lekwot and his cohorts have been saying, time without number that those found guilty in these crimes against humanity, must face the wrath of the law.

By doing so, we can move closer to a peaceful and harmonious future for Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.

If not, why would he be indicted, arraigned and later convicted for the murderous role he had played in Zangon-kataf in 1992? .

It is essential to know that the conviction of Zamani lekwot and other Atyap elders was not done out of resentment and malice that the then authorities harboured against them. It was carried out in line with the law. The established legal system, including a fair trial and due process led to their conviction.

Zamani Lekwot should not forget that the history of his crime is documented for generations yet unborn.

His attempts to change historical narratives, especially of the crime against humanity that his hand committed on people would not be erased, no matter how hard he tries to do so.

There is no amount of lies, propaganda, name calling especially Malam Nasir El-rufai that can be able to change his ugly past.

For this reason, we call upon the government of Kaduna State especially Malam Uba Sani the Executive governor of Kaduna State as a matter of transferency, equity, fairness and justice to do the needful by revisiting the white paper on those convicted.

Let the Kaduna State government revisit the committee recommendation report by then the council members of Kaduna State government which issued the white paper on the 1992 Zangon-kataf crisis that led to the death of a thousand people.

Be it may, some of the immediate causes of Zangon-kataf are still much around and persistent which are often fueled by the so- called mischief markers and blood thirsty like Zamani Lekwot.

It’s pertinent, the Kaduna State government under the able leadership of Senator Malam Uba Sani to reconsider it vital to revisit the position taken for the sake of peace, harmony and justice in kaduna state.

Going by implementing the report Which recommends severe punishment for the criminals so as to send a strong message across, will of course change the narratives.

it’s the duty of the Executive governor Malam Uba Sani to do his utmost best in bringing the closure issues that have lingered, unresolved, since the Zangon-kataf crisis of 1992.

All the recommendations that may be accepted by Kaduna State government council when drafted the white paper should be fully implemented.

It’s evident that, it’s not possible to be in favor of justice for some people like Zamani Lekwot an ex convict and not be in favor of justice for all the people affected by Zangon-kataf riot which instigated by Zamani Lekwot and the others.

Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai wrote from Kano, Nigeria.