Why is Nasir El-Rufai so desperate? By Bode Opeseitan
Why is Mallam Nasir El-Rufai sounding so desperate these days? Every time he speaks, he comes across as narcissistic, grumpy, unhinged and clueless.
I welcome opposing views, but critics of a sitting government must articulate clear alternatives to improve Nigerians’ lives. Don’t just vow to “send Tinubu packing”; tell us your solutions for the extraordinary challenges he inherited.
It is public knowledge that Tinubu assumed office in 2023 to a dead economy in which over 96% of revenue was being used to service debts. Yet, the same President Tinubu El-Rufai desperately maligns has stabilized the economy. While food prices remain high, macroeconomic indicators show strengthening fundamentals, with growth applauded by leading local and international rating agencies.
Decaying infrastructure is being fixed: Dave Umahi’s road revolution, Nyesom Wike’s FCT transformation, and Bosun Tijani’s digital leap with initiatives like 3MTT – now the world’s largest skill accelerator – are turning Nigeria into the envy of the world.
In agriculture, Tinubu just launched Phase 1 of mechanized farming: 2,000 tractors and combines to cultivate 550,000 hectares. This will raise Nigeria’s mechanization from 0.7 to 2.5 horsepower per hectare. The health sector, airports and other spheres are also witnessing unprecedented revival.
Crucially, Nigeria now cuts its coat according to its cloth: no more Ways and Means, round-tripping, or fuel subsidy.
Similar transformative developments are energizing states nationwide. Previously cash-strapped, the Tinubu government’s fiscal policies have empowered states with resources to pay salaries without borrowing and execute critical projects – a stark departure from the past.
Contrast this with Nasir, who accelerated Nigeria’s economic disintegration through his reckless mismanagement of Kaduna State. His record was so unconscionable that the state House of Assembly recommended his indictment. He exploits Nigerians’ forgiving nature to flaunt messianic credentials after bequeathing economic collapse, ethnic strife, and financial impropriety. But Nasir, can anyone give what they don’t have?
Now, with a President working tirelessly to fix monumental challenges, El-Rufai – bitter over his failed ministerial bid – seeks only to distract. To me, such people are enemies of Nigeria and its masses.
Yes, Tinubu has made missteps, but his sincerity is undeniable. We must hold him accountable when he stumbles, but never again allow buccaneers like El-Rufai near power. They lust for hegemony, not a thriving nation.
Bode, ex-Tribune editor, wrote this from the US.
