Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, says he will not keep quiet if President Bola Tinubu’s government is failing Nigerians, despite being one of those who helped bring the administration to power.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, El-Rufai said contributing to Tinubu’s rise does not mean he should look away when things go wrong.
“If Asiwaju’s government has derailed, if it is not doing what we thought he would do, if he is not serving the interests of Nigerians, should I not criticize him because I contributed in bringing him? Is that the logic in Nigeria these days?” he asked.
The former minister stressed that government exists to serve the people, not individuals.
“Even if it is my son or my father that is president or governor and he is not doing the right thing, I have the right to disagree or criticize. Is that what Nigeria has become? where we can no longer speak the truth?” he said.
The ex-governor described himself as a mentor to many, including current Kaduna governor, Uba Sani, but added that loyalty to individuals should not prevent him from speaking out.
“My biggest pride in life is that I have elevated and mentored many people to greatness. But when a person derails, when he doesn’t do the right thing, I will not keep quiet simply because I contributed in getting him there,” he said.
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El-Rufai also explained why he no longer maintains close contact with some of his political associates.
“Once I leave a job, I move on. I don’t go back. I don’t call you. If you want advice or you want to ask any question about what has happened, you can call me, and I will respond. Other than that, I don’t,” he said.
