“El-Rufai’s Attack on Ribadu Is Misdirected and Unjustified” — Osuntokun

Akin Osuntokun has criticised former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent remarks about National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, describing them as misdirected and unjustified.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Osuntokun said El-Rufai’s public comments about Ribadu amount to a misplaced attack. He warned the former governor against directing blame at the security adviser over matters unrelated to his office.

Osuntokun, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), argued that El-Rufai’s focus on Ribadu reflects an attempt to shift attention from controversies linked to his time in office.

He alleged that the former governor is seeking to deflect scrutiny surrounding his administration in Kaduna State by creating distractions. According to Osuntokun, such tactics are aimed at confusing the public over allegations of financial mismanagement.

Referencing a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly in June 2024, Osuntokun noted that the report accused El-Rufai’s administration of mismanaging N423.2 billion. He questioned why Ribadu should be drawn into the matter.

“What connection does Ribadu have with the findings of the Kaduna State House of Assembly?” Osuntokun asked.

He also pointed out that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited El-Rufai and some former officials for questioning over the allegations.

Osuntokun recalled that he had worked closely with both men during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo, where he served as presidential adviser on political affairs. He maintained that attempts to link Ribadu to the accusations facing El-Rufai lack merit.