The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) has indicated that current disputes about remarks by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, reflect reservations originally expressed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo about his leadership style.
Dr. Tunji Bamidele, the group’s Director of Strategic Communication, signed a statement yesterday saying that Obasanjo’s earlier description of El-Rufai as problematic in politics and governance is still true in light of recent events.
Bamidele stated that Nigeria needs leaders who are honest and accountable, and that Obasanjo’s concerns are similar to those of many Nigerians who have followed El-Rufai’s career, according to Vanguard.
People have criticized El-Rufai’s recent comments about the security situation in Kaduna State and the North-Central area as a whole. He added that the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance did not believe his accusations that bandits were offered money as part of a peace effort.
Ibrahim Abubakar NaGwari, the Chairman of the Vanguard, said that the comments were not true and may hurt a peace model that has helped local communities.
Bamidele said that the North-Central All Progressives Congress (NC APC) Forum also raised worry. Its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, said that El-Rufai’s comments were politically driven.
He remarked, “This criticism from many people makes me question El-Rufai’s position and shows that Obasanjo’s earlier worries are still valid.”
The organization said that Nigeria’s democracy depends on honest and responsible public debate. They advised authorities to work to bring people together and develop trust instead of tearing them apart.
Bamidele said, “As we think about what former President Obasanjo said, it becomes clearer and clearer that his ideas about what makes a good leader are still useful for Nigerians.”
He told public people to think carefully about what they say and do, saying that honesty and responsibility are the most important things for a good leader.
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