El-Rufai discusses the prevalence of envy within Nigeria’s political class amidst ongoing ₦432bn corruption allegations. Discover the implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.

Over the weekend, Nasir El-Rufai, who formerly served as governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria, expressed his personal views on what he referred to as “envy” within the country’s political elite through his official X account.

After serving as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, he expressed his sorrow over accusations of corruption and misuse of government funds.

According to the Kaduna State House of Assembly, his eight-year tenure supposedly embezzled ₦432bn resulting in significant debt liabilities for the state.

The state Assembly’s ad hoc committee, established to scrutinize the finances, loans and contracts granted during El-Rufai’s tenure, presented its findings to the House in June.

According to Henry Zacharia, who serves as the chairman of the ad hoc committee, a majority of the loans that were acquired during El-Rufai’s administration did not serve their intended purpose. Additionally, on occasion proper procedures for obtaining these loans were disregarded.

Yusuf Liman, the Speaker of the Assembly, alleged that El-Rufai’s administration siphoned a whopping ₦423bn resulting in massive financial obligations for the state.

Consequently, the committee suggested that El-Rufai and certain members of his cabinet be scrutinized and charged by security and anti-corruption organizations for purportedly misusing their positions, redirecting public funds, and engaging in money laundering.

The committee suggested that Shizer Badda, who previously held the same position during El-Rufai’s administration, should be suspended promptly from his role as Commissioner of Finance.

Controversial Assertions

El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed the credibility of El-Rufai’s administration and deemed the committee’s allegations as “shocking”.

According to him, the achievements of Malam Nasir El-Rufai in governance and his lasting impact on Kaduna State are a source of immense pride. Despite attempts by certain individuals utilizing state legislature platforms for defamation and unwarranted attacks, his outstanding track record of excellence both publicly and privately remains unchanged.

The officials who had served under the El-Rufai administration willingly appeared before the ad-hoc committee due to their belief in providing quality service and uprightness while serving Kaduna State. However, they were fully aware that the process would be biased and unfair as it was evident that the inquiry was a mere formality to justify preconceived judgments.

The departure of a state legislature from any notion of decency and fairness is truly regrettable. We hold in disdain the claims associated with this report.

Malam El-Rufai wants to guarantee perceptive Nigerians that he has dutifully served Kaduna State with honesty and to the best of his ability, alongside a diligent and nationalistic team. During his tenure as governor, he adhered to all applicable laws in every aspect of governance. This biased investigation should be dismissed for what it truly is: a politically driven smear campaign.

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He subsequently lodged a lawsuit to uphold his fundamental rights at the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the state House of Assembly.

During a weekend reflection, El-Rufai stated that hatred is the result of envy.

On Saturday, El-Rufai shared a lengthy post on his X handle where he referred to envy as an “incurable disease.” He expressed doubt about the possibility of curing this trait among politicians.

During the Democratic National Convention, US Vice President Kamala Harris shared that we don’t need anyone to fail in order for us all to succeed. She also expressed the importance of unity and how it can lead to strength.

After reading the aforementioned quote, I contemplated its significance and relevance to our present circumstances in Nigeria. Envy entails that for one individual to achieve success, everyone else must fail.

In our political system, key actors often experience envy. Those who lack or fall short in leadership qualities such as competence, capacity and commitment are particularly susceptible to feeling envious of those who possess them.

Envy drives one to despise and obliterate those who are superior instead of aiming for improvement, ultimately resulting in bitterness.

When feelings of hatred take over, they can lead to harmful thoughts and behaviors. This may include committing terrible offenses like perjury, malicious prosecution, persecution, unlawful imprisonment, torture or even murder against those who are envied.

Do you think the pervasive envy among Nigerians, notably within political circles, can ever be eradicated? For my part, I’m skeptical.

Nigeria’s burgeoning issue stems from the declining aptitude, capability, and dedication of its political leaders.

Depending on these personal and institutional qualities, societies may either prosper or crumble.

To achieve its destined position as a great leader of the Black Race, Nigeria must confront and diminish the incurable virus of ENVY. Though a cure may not be found, I hope for this goal to become reality through divine intervention. Amen.