By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Muhammad Bello El-Rufai, the lawmaker representing Kaduna North in the House of Representatives and son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has voiced his disappointment over the ongoing conflict between his father and Governor Uba Sani.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service over the weekend, Bello El-Rufai expressed his frustration with the situation, stating that while his father remains his role model and Uba Sani his political mentor, reconciling them is not his responsibility.
“My primary assignment is to give the people of Kaduna North quality representation,” Bello said. He further alleged that some individuals seem to take pleasure in witnessing the rift between the two political heavyweights, comparing the tension to legendary Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra engaging in a fight.
Despite the conflict, Bello emphasized his desire for peace, stating, “Even if a person is my enemy, I do not want to see him fighting with another enemy of mine. I want peace.” He likened the situation to how relationships can change over time, adding, “Marriages break up, friends stop being friends, but friendships shouldn’t be left regardless of any conflict.”
Bello also revealed that he is unsure of the true nature of the fallout between his father and Governor Uba Sani, saying, “None of them said anything to me about the crisis.” He noted that he had never witnessed either of them openly criticize the other in his presence.
The rift between Governor Uba Sani and Nasir El-Rufai stems from allegations of misappropriation of N423 billion during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as Kaduna State governor. The current administration has initiated a probe through the State Assembly’s Ad-Hoc Committee, leading to heightened tensions between the two leaders.
