Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has accused former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, of posing a threat to 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, alleged the importation of dangerous chemicals by the NSA’s office, and suggested 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 described the public admissions and accusations as reckless and potentially damaging to national stability.
He argued that any claim of bugging the NSA’s phone, if proven true, could amount to complicity with criminal actors and undermine Nigeria’s security architecture.
The former minister 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 has since deteriorated, with the latest accusations representing what he called a “permanent breakdown” of their long-standing association.
Fani-Kayode also criticised El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, pointing to 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, Maiwada Raphael Galadima, and the detention of critics, while accusing El-Rufai of making inflammatory statements against political figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kaduna governor Ahmed Makarfi.
He 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 former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, Fani-Kayode said resilience and respect for due process were hallmarks of credible leadership.
The former minister praised Ribadu’s approach to public service, describing him as disciplined and focused, and contrasting it with what he characterised as El-Rufai’s confrontational style.
He added that Ribadu has remained largely controversy-free since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu and has concentrated on addressing Nigeria’s security challenges while strengthening international cooperation.
Fani-Kayode 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.
