A Surprising Shift in Perspective
More than a decade after accusing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of corruption in his book, The Accidental Public Servant (2013), former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has made an unexpected reversal. He now acknowledges Atiku’s instrumental role in driving economic reforms during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
This change of stance emerged during a condolence visit to the family of the late Chief Edwin Clark, where El-Rufai highlighted Atiku’s contributions to Nigeria’s economic policies.
The Previous Allegations Against Atiku
El-Rufai had previously accused Atiku of corruption, claiming he was involved in dubious dealings during his tenure as vice president (1999–2007). Atiku, in response, refuted these allegations in a 2016 interview with Zero Tolerance, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) publication. He also accused El-Rufai of offering him shares in Transcorp Plc, a claim El-Rufai dismissed, stating that he himself had rejected similar offers.
During Atiku’s tenure as vice president, he oversaw the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), which was responsible for Nigeria’s privatization efforts. El-Rufai, who led the agency at the time, had previously questioned Atiku’s integrity, citing various alleged financial irregularities.
El-Rufai’s Acknowledgment of Atiku’s Economic Impact
However, speaking at the condolence visit, El-Rufai stated that Atiku had been instrumental in shaping economic policies under Obasanjo’s administration.
“Nobody gives Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the credit for economic policymaking under Obasanjo’s administration. Many of the things we did were under his leadership. Maybe because we don’t document our history, people tend to forget,” El-Rufai remarked.
Political Controversy Surrounding the Condolence Visit
The Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN) criticized both Atiku and El-Rufai for allegedly turning the condolence visit into a political spectacle. The group’s National Coordinator, Michael Briggs, described their remarks as disrespectful to the late Chief Clark’s family, accusing them of using the moment to promote political narratives rather than honoring the deceased.
“What should have been a solemn visit became a political charade. It was a clear display of insensitivity to the grieving family,” TAN stated.
The group further accused El-Rufai of leveraging the occasion to praise Atiku’s economic policies rather than focusing on the essence of the visit.
Conclusion
El-Rufai’s change in tone regarding Atiku’s economic influence marks a notable shift in Nigerian political dynamics. While some see it as a genuine acknowledgment of past contributions, others interpret it as a strategic political move. Regardless, this development underscores the evolving nature of political alliances and narratives in Nigeria.
For further insights into Nigeria’s political history, visit BBC Africa.
READ ALSO;
Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp:
Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear:
Kindly Share:
Discover more from LMSINT MEDIA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.