The Nigerian presidency has accused former Kaduna State governor Nasir El‑Rufai of double standards in negotiations with bandits. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga made the allegation in a social‑media post, calling El‑Rufai a “master of ambivalence.” Onanuga claimed that El‑Rufai once supported and led efforts to pay bandits in exchange for peace, but now opposes such measures for political reasons. “Malam Nasir EL‑Rufai is the master of ambivalence,” he wrote. “Once upon a time, he supported and led the way in paying bandits to calm them. Today, in the name of politics, he opposes it.”
The accusation comes amid growing tensions between El‑Rufai and the Bola Tinubu administration over how to address insecurity, particularly the government’s refusal to negotiate with terrorists and bandits. While the Tinubu government maintains that it will not pay ransom to bandits, El‑Rufai has publicly opposed this stance. His comments have drawn mixed reactions, with some critics labeling his position as contradictory and the government accusing him of spreading falsehoods.
The controversy highlights the complexities of tackling Nigeria’s persistent banditry and terrorism. Calls for effective solutions have intensified as innocent lives continue to be at risk. The Tinubu administration’s firm refusal to negotiate is contested by those who argue that protecting civilians may require more flexible approaches. As the debate unfolds, the government must balance addressing the root causes of insecurity with a resolute stance against terrorism and banditry. The accusations against El‑Rufai underscore the need for consistency and transparency in confronting the nation’s security challenges, and the next steps taken by the government will be crucial in shaping the outcome.
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