The Northern Youths Frontiers (NYF), has strongly condemned what it described as the reckless and irresponsible remarks made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during his recent appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
The group further warned that such “unguarded rhetoric” could weaken public confidence, embolden criminals, and trivialize the suffering of victims of insecurity.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its North West Zonal Coordinator, Saminu Tukur, the group accused El-Rufai of attempting to smear the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and belittle the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security forces.
Said: “The NYF views it as shameful that a man who had eight years steering the affairs of Kaduna, yet left behind a legacy riddled with insecurity, hardship, and division, now seeks to present himself as a saint by mocking the current efforts to restore peace. El-Rufai’s unguarded comments are a slap in the face to the gallant men and women of our armed forces who risk their lives daily to tackle insecurity across the North.
“We find these comments deeply insensitive and unbecoming of a supposedly statesman who once held the mantle of leadership in one of the affected states. At a time when security forces are making sacrifices including paying the supreme price in the line of duty, it is utterly disheartening to make such statements that belittle their efforts.
“El-Rufai’s gimmick to score political points aimed to undermine the credibility of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, ridicule the sacrifices, and sow seeds of doubt in the minds of Nigerians remains totally reprehensible.
“Kaduna, under him, witnessed years of bloodshed, banditry, and unprecedented insecurity, which he failed to curtail, while his successor, Governor Uba Sani, is already achieving what he could not by bringing peace, stability, and governance with a human face. Rather than supporting ongoing efforts, El-Rufai has chosen to sow discord and ridicule efforts that aim to save lives, reintegrate communities, and dismantle criminal structures.
“The NYF considers his remarks as nothing but cheap politics and a desperate attempt to remain relevant. It is unbecoming of a former governor to deride sensitive national security operations with careless statements to weaken public confidence, embolden criminals, and trivialize the suffering of victims of banditry and terrorism.”
NYF called on Nigerians, especially youths in the North, to reject what it described as El-Rufai’s “divisive antics,” urging him to retract his statements and desist from politicizing security matters.
He added, “The NYF rejects El-Rufai’s attempt to skewer security policies that are rooted in global best practices in counter-insurgency and call on him to immediately retract his unfortunate statements and desist from politicizing security matters.
“We appeal to all political leaders to exercise caution in public commentary on sensitive national issues. We reaffirm our confidence in the Armed Forces, and other security agencies working tirelessly to keep Nigeria safe, secure, and stable.
“The NYF stands firmly with Nigeria’s security architecture for their sacrifice, blood and sweat to protect Nigerians. We will not allow politicians like El-Rufai to derail the hard-earned progress being made in restoring peace and hope to our people.
“We also remind all that our security challenges demand collective responsibility, not reckless rhetoric, as our troops combat valiantly to restore peace, stability and tranquillity to our dear nation.”
