Admin

RAMADAN 2026: ENGR. CHIROMA JOSEPH DISTRIBUTED FOOD AID ACROSS EIGHT SOUTHERN KADUNA LGAs

RAMADAN 2026 ENGR. CHIROMA JOSEPH DISTRIBUTED FOOD AID ACROSS EIGHT SOUTHERN KADUNA LGAs

In a humanitarian gesture marking the 2026 Ramadan season, Engr. Ciroma Joseph, FNSE, founder of Hasken Southern Kaduna, has distributed essential food items to Muslim communities across the eight Local Government Areas of Kaduna South Senatorial District (Zone III).

The outreach covered Kauru, Zango Kataf, Kaura, Kachia, Kagarko, Sanga, Jaba, and Jema’a, where millet and sugar were provided to support households observing the holy month of fasting.

According to a statement issued by his Principal Private Secretary, the initiative forms part of Hasken Southern Kaduna’s broader humanitarian programme aimed at easing economic hardship and strengthening interfaith solidarity during Ramadan a period defined by sacrifice, devotion, compassion, and charity among Muslims worldwide.

The statement emphasized that the intervention reflects Engr. Ciroma’s sustained commitment to the welfare of vulnerable communities, particularly at critical times when families face increased food demands.

Beneficiaries across the district expressed profound gratitude, describing the assistance as timely and impactful.

Many noted that the supplies would significantly help sustain their families throughout the fasting period.

Observers say the exercise underscores a growing culture of citizen led philanthropy in Southern Kaduna, where community actors increasingly complement formal social support systems through targeted humanitarian action.

— Report by David E. Monday, Kaduna and
Powered by Elder, Flight Engineer Labari Abraham Dyaji
19/2/2026

Christian Pilgrimage: Kaduna Christian Group Commends Uba Sani, Condemns El-Rufai

Christian Pilgrimage: Kaduna Christian Group Commends Uba Sani, Condemns El-Rufai

A faith-based advocacy group, Christian Forum for Peaceful and United Kaduna, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for reinstating the Christian pilgrimage scheme in the state, describing the move as bold, inclusive and a step toward rebuilding trust between government and the Christian community.

The group, in a statement issued in Kaduna, applauded the governor for approving the 2025 Christian pilgrimage and facilitating an orientation programme for 50 intending pilgrims held on February 17, 2026.

In the statement signed by the Secretary , Reverend Ishaya Bulus ,the group said, “The development marks the return of the programme after it was suspended in 2015 by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose administration also scrapped the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

According to the forum, the reinstatement signals a renewed commitment to fairness and religious harmony in the state.

“We commend Governor Uba Sani for taking a courageous and just decision to reinstate the Christian pilgrimage scheme. This is a testament to inclusivity, equity and a genuine desire to strengthen unity among the diverse religious communities in Kaduna State,” the statement read.

The group recalled that it had strongly criticised the suspension of the scheme under the previous administration, arguing that it denied Christians in the state the opportunity to undertake pilgrimage to the Holy Land and offer prayers for peace and progress in Nigeria.

It noted that the return of the programme represents what it described as a departure from an atmosphere it perceived as unfavourable to Christians during the last administration.

“Today, a milestone has been achieved. The return of the pilgrimage programme demonstrates that government policies can be reviewed in the interest of justice and unity. It restores confidence among Christian faithful who felt marginalised,” the forum added.

“We are happy that Governor Sani’s administration has framed the reinstatement as part of broader efforts to promote religious harmony, inclusiveness and fairness in governance. We are also glad that the government has also emphasised the need to rebuild relationships with faith-based organisations across the state.

However, the Christian Forum further linked the development to what it described as improved security in Southern Kaduna, noting that the relative calm being experienced in recent months stands in contrast to the insecurity and tensions witnessed in previous years.

The group which condemned the decision of the former Governor,Mal Nasir Elrufai to suspend the pilgrimage scheme, urged the Governor Uba Sani to sustain policies that promote peace, equity and mutual respect among Kaduna’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.

Elrufai marginalized Christians in Kaduna and planted seed of discord and hatred amongst the two main religions.But we thank God ,Uba Sani has uprooted all those trees that hitherto created the cracks .

“Kaduna State, known for its complex religious and ethnic composition, has in the past grappled with sectarian tensions, it against this background that we say initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and interfaith cooperation remain critical to consolidating peace and stability in the state.” It stated .

Renewed Hope Initiatives: President Ahmed Tinubu and the Solarization Drive in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

Renewed Hope Initiatives: President Ahmed Tinubu and the Solarization Drive in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

Since assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has positioned energy reform as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic transformation agenda. Among the most consequential initiatives is the accelerated push toward solarization—the large-scale deployment of solar energy systems across public institutions, rural communities, and critical infrastructure. In a country long challenged by unreliable grid electricity, high diesel costs, and energy poverty, the solarization project represents both an economic and social intervention with far-reaching gains.

In actualizing these gains, the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu saw the need to appoint someone with the right capacity, knowledge and verve to lead the sectors drive towards solarization of the nation, for a more focused sector that will ensure steady energy supply to all Nigerians. The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was therefore, applauded for his choice of Engineer Abdullahi Mustapha as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN and, the choice of appointment has not failed in the task assigned him.

Expanding Energy Access and Reducing Energy Poverty
Nigeria has historically struggled with inadequate electricity generation and distribution, with millions of citizens lacking reliable access to power. The solarization initiative, supported through federal programs and partnerships with development finance institutions, aims to bridge this gap by:

. Deploying off-grid and mini-grid solar systems in rural and underserved communities
. Installing solar panels in schools, primary healthcare centers, and government facilities
. Supporting decentralized renewable energy solutions where grid extension is impractical
By prioritizing solar in rural electrification, the Tinubu administration has strengthened Nigeria’s progress toward universal energy access. Solar mini-grids have empowered small businesses, improved healthcare delivery (through reliable cold storage for vaccines and lighting for surgeries), and enabled students to study after dark.
The shift to decentralized solar solutions reduces overreliance on the national grid, which remains constrained by aging infrastructure and transmission bottlenecks.

Fiscal Savings and Reduced Diesel Dependence
One of the most significant gains of the solarization project is cost reduction in public sector energy consumption. Federal ministries, departments, and agencies have traditionally relied heavily on diesel generators due to inconsistent grid supply. This has led to:
. recurrent fuel expenditure
. Maintenance costs for generators
. Exposure to fluctuating diesel prices
Solar installations under the Tinubu administration are gradually lowering these operational costs. By replacing diesel generators with photovoltaic systems and battery storage, government institutions reduce long-term energy spending. These savings can be redirected toward social services, infrastructure, and economic development.
Additionally, reduced diesel use lowers Nigeria’s demand for imported refined petroleum products, supporting broader macroeconomic stability and foreign exchange conservation.
Boosting Economic Productivity and MSMEs
Solarization contributes directly to economic productivity, especially among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). In markets and commercial clusters where power outages are frequent, solar-powered solutions provide:
Reliable lighting for extended business hours
Power for refrigeration, welding, tailoring, and agro-processing
Reduced operational costs compared to generator use
Lower energy costs increase profitability for small businesses and improve job retention. This aligns with President Tinubu’s broader economic reform agenda, which emphasizes private-sector growth and industrial competitiveness.
In agricultural communities, solar-powered irrigation systems and cold storage facilities enhance food preservation and reduce post-harvest losses—an important contribution to food security.
Environmental and Climate Benefits
Nigeria is a signatory to international climate agreements and has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The solarization project strengthens Nigeria’s transition toward cleaner energy sources by:
Lowering carbon emissions from diesel generators
Reducing air pollution in densely populated areas
Supporting sustainable development goals
Solar power, as a renewable and low-emission source, aligns with global energy transition trends. Under Tinubu’s leadership, renewable energy deployment sends a signal to investors that Nigeria is open to green finance and climate-aligned investments.
The environmental gains also translate into public health benefits, as reduced generator fumes mean lower exposure to particulate pollution in homes, offices, and markets.
Strengthening Energy Security and Diversification
Nigeria’s energy paradox—being an oil-producing nation with persistent electricity shortages—has long hindered economic growth. The solarization project contributes to energy diversification, reducing dependence on gas-fired power plants and vulnerable transmission infrastructure.
Solar systems distributed across regions create a more resilient energy ecosystem. Unlike centralized power plants that can disrupt large areas if they fail, decentralized solar installations:
Limit systemic blackouts
Improve localized energy reliability
Enhance disaster resilience
This diversification strengthens national energy security and supports long-term stability in the power sector.
Attraction of Investment and Private Sector Participation
The administration’s emphasis on renewable energy has encouraged investor interest in Nigeria’s solar market. Through policy reforms, regulatory clarity, and partnerships with international development agencies, the government has:
Facilitated financing for solar mini-grids
Encouraged public-private partnerships
Promoted local assembly and manufacturing of solar components
Increased investor confidence is critical in a capital-intensive sector like energy. By creating an enabling environment, the solarization drive helps unlock domestic and foreign investment, fostering innovation and competition.
Job Creation and Skills Development
The expansion of solar infrastructure generates employment across multiple segments:
Solar panel installation technicians
Engineers and project managers
Maintenance personnel
Local manufacturing and assembly workers
Training programs associated with solar deployment help build technical capacity among Nigerian youth. This not only reduces unemployment but also cultivates a workforce equipped for the global green economy.
The renewable energy sector’s growth diversifies Nigeria’s labor market beyond oil and gas, making the economy more adaptable to global shifts.
Support for Public Institutions and Social Infrastructure
Under President Tinubu’s broader reform agenda, solarization has been integrated into national development priorities, including education and healthcare. Solar-powered public institutions benefit from:
Uninterrupted lighting in hospitals and clinics
Reliable electricity for diagnostic equipment
Digital learning tools in schools
These improvements enhance service delivery, especially in rural communities where grid power may be unreliable or nonexistent. Stable electricity enables digital governance, improves administrative efficiency, and supports modern public service systems.
Long-Term Structural Reform of the Power Sector
Solarization complements ongoing structural reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. By encouraging decentralized energy solutions, the administration reduces pressure on a grid that has struggled with transmission capacity constraints and distribution inefficiencies.
Furthermore, renewable expansion fosters competition and innovation, challenging traditional power supply models. Over time, this diversification may contribute to:
Improved electricity reliability
More cost-reflective tariffs
Increased consumer choice
The solarization project, therefore, is not merely an environmental initiative but part of a broader restructuring of Nigeria’s electricity landscape.
Conclusion
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s solarization initiative marks a strategic shift in Nigeria’s energy policy—one that prioritizes renewable energy, fiscal efficiency, and decentralized access. The gains are multidimensional:
Expanded energy access in underserved communities
Reduced diesel dependence and fiscal savings
Improved productivity for small businesses
Environmental sustainability and climate alignment
Enhanced energy security and diversification
Increased investment and job creation
While challenges remain—including financing scale, maintenance capacity, and regulatory coordination—the solarization project represents a significant step toward a more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
In positioning solar energy as a central pillar of national development, the Tinubu administration underscores the transformative potential of renewables in addressing long-standing power sector deficiencies. If sustained and effectively implemented, the solarization drive could become one of the defining energy reforms of his presidency.
Stakeholders within the energy sector have continued to commend the DG/CEO of ECN for his commendable strides since his assumption into office especially with the solarization drive and renewable energy for all Nigerians.

Ex-Councilors Demand Immediate Arrest of El-Rufai Over Alleged Security Claims

Ex-Councilors Demand Immediate Arrest of El-Rufai Over Alleged Security Claims

…Say he’s a security threat

The National Forum of Ex-Councilors of Nigeria has called for the immediate arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations bordering on national security.

The group made the demand at a press conference held in Kaduna on Monday, February 16, 2026.

National President of the Forum, Hon. Amb. Auwal Kasim Hassan, described El-Rufai as a threat to national security, alleging that the former governor had confessed to tapping the phone of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Hassan said the allegation by El-Rufai that he was marked for death through food poisoning allegedly orchestrated by the Office of the National Security Adviser was too serious to be ignored.

According to him, the gravity of the claims warrants immediate action by security agencies to prevent what he described as attempts to whip up public sympathy from opposition elements.

“The allegation that he was marked for food poisoning by the Federal Government is weighty and cannot be treated lightly. We are calling on relevant security agencies to immediately arrest him and investigate these claims,” Hassan said.

He further disclosed that the forum was prepared to institute direct criminal charges against El-Rufai through its legal representatives to compel him to provide evidence to substantiate his allegations.

The forum also reiterated its support for the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the President not to be distracted by what it described as the “antics” of the former governor and his associates.

Sighed:
Amb. Hon. Auwal Kasim Hassan
National President
08023444205

Breaking: Magazine Names Tinubu West African Person of the Year

Breaking: Magazine Names Tinubu West African Person of the Year

THE REPORTERS Nigeria Magazine, now nine years old in Nigeria’s dynamic media landscape, has declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its West African Person of the Year 2025, citing what it described as “measurable stabilisation, reform boldness, and macroeconomic recalibration with regional implications.”

Founded in March 2017, THE REPORTERS Nigeria Magazine is a fortnightly publication focused on politics, economy, energy, security, leadership, and both local and international affairs. Its editorial philosophy centers on development journalism, good governance, national unity, and peaceful co-existence.

In a statement released by its editorial board and signed by its Chairman/CEO – Malam Abdullahi Sabiu, the Magazine explained that the decision followed a multi-year performance assessment of leadership outcomes across West Africa, with emphasis on economic management, inflation trends, food security, security architecture reforms, and investor confidence indicators.

According to the editors, developments in Nigeria under President Tinubu’s administration stood out in scale and measurable impact.

“The recognition is rooted in performance metrics,” the board stated.

“Within three years of assuming office in 2023, the administration has overseen a notable shift in inflation moderation, food price trends, security coordination, fiscal restructuring, and investment flows — outcomes that carry weight not only nationally but across the subregion”, it added.

The Magazine noted improvements in headline and food inflation figures, renewed agricultural activity linked to improved security, FX market reforms, subsidy restructuring, strengthened federal revenues, and growing foreign investor engagement as central factors in its decision.

Beyond its print edition, THE REPORTERS operates THE REPORTERS Newspaper, its online arm, delivering round-the-clock updates on governance, economy, security, and development issues. Both platforms share a guiding belief that journalism is a veritable tool to uplift humanity, spotlight critical issues, and contribute to practical solutions.

Reaffirming its mission, the organization stated that it remains committed to neutrality, objectivity, fairness, and accuracy, while supporting government and private initiatives that advance the cause of the Nigerian masses — alongside holding public office holders accountable.

Its long-term vision, the editorial board added, is to build one of the most credible and reliable development-driven media platforms in the country, anchored on patriotism and responsible journalism.

By naming President Tinubu as its West African Person of the Year 2025, THE REPORTERS says it is continuing its tradition of spotlighting leadership decisions that reshape national direction and influence broader regional stability.

Ex-Councilors Demand Immediate Arrest of El-Rufai Over Alleged Security Claims

Ex-Councilors Demand Immediate Arrest of El-Rufai Over Alleged Security Claims

…Say he’s a security threat

The National Forum of Ex-Councilors of Nigeria has called for the immediate arrest of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over allegations bordering on national security.

The group made the demand at a press conference held in Kaduna on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Hassan said the allegation by El-Rufai that he was marked for death through food poisoning allegedly orchestrated by the Office of the National Security Adviser was too serious to be ignored.

According to him, the gravity of the claims warrants immediate action by security agencies to prevent what he described as attempts to whip up public sympathy from opposition elements.

Sighed:
Amb. Hon. Auwal Kasim Hassan
National President
08023444205

Kaduna Victims’ Coalition: Survivors and Families Demand Full Accountability for Abuses Under Nasir el-Rufai – No More Impunity, No More Silence

Kaduna Victims’ Coalition: Survivors and Families Demand Full Accountability for Abuses Under Nasir el-Rufai – No More Impunity, No More Silence

We speak today as representatives of countless individuals, families, and communities who endured eight years of profound hardship, terror, fear, and loss under the governorship of Nasir el-Rufai in Kaduna State (2015–2023). Our coalition includes citizens from all walks of life: community and business leaders, serving and retired public servants, traditional rulers, faith leaders, academics, journalists, lawyers, and other professionals.

Among the many victims are high-profile cases that symbolize the era’s impunity:

HRH Dr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, the Agwam Adara (paramount ruler of the Adara Chiefdom), abducted in October 2018 and brutally murdered despite ransom payment. His killing occurred amid efforts to restructure traditional institutions, including the controversial conversion of the chiefdom into an emirate structure, deepening ethnic and communal tensions. Till date the suspects arrested for the murder of Agwam Adara are yet to be successfully prosecuted and their whereabouts can not be ascertained.

Abubakar Idris (Dadiyata), a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsenma and social media commentator critical of governance issues, abducted from his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna, on August 2, 2019. He has remained missing, effectively disappeared for nearly seven years. August 2026 will mark the seventh anniversary of his abduction and trigger the statutory presumption of death under Nigerian law.

Shortly after Dadiyata’s abduction, on December 23, 2019, at 10:16 hrs, Bashir el-Rufai, son of the then-Governor, posted a tweet widely perceived as gloating over the incident and dismissing calls for his safe return.

During his tenure, Nasir el-Rufai presided over a pattern of indiscriminate actions: arbitrary abductions, persecution of critics, reprisal violence, unlawful demolitions of homes, mass dismissals of workers without due process, forced sackings by employers of perceived opponents, and the displacement of citizens into exile.

These acts bypassed constitutional safeguards and Nigerian law, turning gubernatorial immunity into unchecked impunity.

We are deeply troubled by recent attempts to reframe this history, portraying Nasir el-Rufai as a champion of due process and human rights, while survivors and families continue to seek truth and justice.

On behalf of ourselves, and in solemn memory of those killed or disappeared who cannot speak, we have a moral and civic duty to bear witness. Our sole demand is accountability under the rule of law: thorough, independent investigations; prosecutions where evidence warrants; and closure for traumatized victims and families. By pursuing justice, we aim to prevent future suffering and uphold the dignity of all Nigerians.

We stand ready to cooperate fully with all relevant law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, and human rights institutions in Nigeria. We will provide testimonies, evidence, and any material assistance to support inquiries and ensure those responsible for crimes face due process.

#JusticeToElrufai

#JusticeForKadunaVictims

#WhereIsDadiyata

#AccountabilityNow

Signed on behalf of the coalition of survivors, victims’ families, and concerned citizens:

1. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

2. Audu Maikori, Esq

3. Gloria Ballason, Esq

4. Steven Kefas

5. Luka Binniyat

6. Midat Joseph

7. Segun Onibiyo

8. House of Justice

9. Community Development & Rights Advocacy Foundation

10. Resilient Aid and Dialogue Initiative

11. Southern Kaduna Indigenously

12. Progressive Forum (SKIPFo)

13. Atrocities Watch Africa, AWA

‎”Jealous, Bitter Soul, a Pathological Liar; Ribadu is More Honest Than You” – APC Stalwart Blasts El-Rufai

‎”Jealous, Bitter Soul, a Pathological Liar; Ribadu is More Honest Than You” – APC Stalwart Blasts El-Rufai

By Tom Garba,Yola

‎A senior stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Mallam Abdulrahaman Buba Kwacham, has sharply criticized former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, labelling him a “jealous, bitter soul” and a “pathological liar” in a strongly worded response to recent allegations made against National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

In an exclusive telephone interview, Kwacham – who is currently seeking the APC ticket for the Northern Senatorial District – described El-Rufai’s claim that Ribadu intended to harm him as entirely unfounded and motivated by long-standing personal animosity and envy.

“El-Rufai has been an unrepentant hater of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for many years,” Kwacham asserted. “He is a serial liar whose statements crumble under any serious scrutiny guided by reason and wisdom. I know Ribadu very well – he is far more honest and principled than El-Rufai could ever claim to be.”

‎The APC stalwart accused the former governor of suffering from a “pulling-down syndrome” driven by sheer jealousy, and called on him to immediately desist from such attacks.

‎“The people of Adamawa State hold Mallam Ribadu in high esteem and are prepared to stand firmly against anyone who seeks to tarnish his reputation,” Kwacham warned.

‎He further condemned what he described as El-Rufai’s “shameless” conduct, alleging serious misconduct during his time as governor of Kaduna State.

‎“Enough is enough. This is the vesperation of anger from a man who conveniently forgets the grave injustices and crimes he committed against innocent citizens of Kaduna,” Kwacham declared.

‎“If we begin to list this man’s sins, he would never walk free. It is high time Nigerians are told the full truth about the dozens of crimes committed under his watch.”

‎In his most forceful demand, Kwacham urged the federal government to take immediate legal action against El-Rufai, accusing him of treasonable conduct.

He referenced a recent live television appearance in which El-Rufai reportedly admitted to intercepting and monitoring telephone communications belonging to Ribadu and other Nigerians.

‎“That admission alone constitutes a serious security breach and treasonable felony,” Kwacham said. “The federal government should without delay arrest Mallam Nasir El-Rufai for this offence.”

‎The outspoken remarks reflect escalating intra-party friction and personal rivalries within Nigeria’s political landscape as various figures position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Shehu Sani Defends Ribadu,Dismisses Elrufai’s claims

Shehu Sani Defends Ribadu,Dismisses Elrufai’s claims

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has defended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, dismissing allegations made against him by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as diversionary and unfounded.

Sani, in a statement via his X handle @shehusani on Sunday, said the former governor should concentrate on addressing allegations reportedly raised against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission rather than making what he described as “phantom claims” against the National Security Adviser.

“The ex-governor of Kaduna State should focus on the allegations before him and clear his name instead of diverting attention with his purported and phantom claims against the NSA,” Sani said.

He questioned the timing of the allegations, asking why such sensitive information was not made public earlier.
“Why the delay in disclosing such sensitive information to the public until when he was invited? His antics and deceptions should be ignored,” he added.
Sani, a long-time critic of the former governor, further accused him of attempting to whip up public sentiment to deflect from accountability.

He said leaders who have held public office must be prepared to answer for their stewardship rather than seek to shift focus.

Reflecting on his personal experiences during El-Rufai’s tenure, Sani alleged that he and others were subjected to harassment and intimidation but maintained that such experiences did not break their resolve.

“For those of us whom he once traumatised, framed and dragged to the police and the courts in Kaduna, we forgive him, but urge him to learn to handle his karma with maturity, decorum and faith. We have been to prisons, police cells, DSS cells and even military underground cells, but never lost our sense of reasoning,” he said.

The former lawmaker warned that shielding former public office holders from scrutiny sends a dangerous signal to those currently in power.

“If our society continues to pamper and protect past leaders who should be held accountable for their actions while in power, it is giving a life and unconditional guarantee to those in power today that they will also be protected after power,” he stated.

EFCC Invitation: Group Accuses El-Rufai of Diversionary Tactics, Urges Him to Face Charges

EFCC Invitation: Group Accuses El-Rufai of Diversionary Tactics, Urges Him to Face Charges

A northern advocacy group, the Northern Progressives Forum for Development (NPFD), has asked former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, to “face the charges against him with the courage he claims to possess” rather than allegedly attempting to divert public attention with accusations against the National Security Adviser.

The group’s position follows reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited El-Rufai over allegations bordering on corruption and mismanagement of public funds during his tenure as governor between 2015 and 2023.

In a statement signed by Mal Musa Mohammed Sule and made available to journalists , the NPFD said it was concerned about what it described as “a pattern of diversionary narratives” coming from the former governor at a time he is expected to respond to anti-graft inquiries.

El-Rufai had, in a letter dated January 30, 2026 and reportedly received on February 11, 2026, written to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) seeking clarification over the alleged procurement of about 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate, a toxic chemical substance, purportedly sourced from a supplier in Poland.

The letter, titled “Request for Clarification on the Procurement of Thallium Sulphate,” stated that he was acting “as a concerned citizen” and requested details on the purpose of the acquisition, regulatory compliance, and safety protocols surrounding the substance.

However, reacting swiftly, the NPFD alleged that the move was calculated to shift focus from the EFCC’s invitation.
“It is unfortunate that at a time when he is expected to answer serious allegations raised by the EFCC, Malam El-Rufai is seeking to introduce unrelated matters into public discourse,” the group said.

“We observed that he development comes amid claims attributed to El-Rufai that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, had ordered his arrest — an allegation that reportedly led to tension at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in recent days.

” El-Rufai was also quoted as alleging that an unnamed individual had tapped the NSA’s phone and confirmed Ribadu’s alleged involvement in plans to detain him. ” The group stated .

The NPFD described the claims as “serious and weighty,” urging the former governor to provide credible evidence to security agencies rather than making public accusations.

“It is disheartening that someone who has served as governor and minister would resort to what appears to be blackmail and rabble-rousing in the face of lawful investigation,” the group stated.

The forum insisted that the EFCC, as a statutory anti-corruption agency, should be allowed to carry out its mandate without interference or politicisation.

“We expect Malam El-Rufai to respect the institutions of state and submit himself to due process. If he believes he is innocent, the proper place to prove that is before investigators and, if necessary, in a court of law — not in the media,” the statement added.