Presidency: El-Rufai’s ‘Thallium’ Letter Aimed toward Stirring Stress, Dodging ₦432bn
The Presidency on Sunday described the current public statements by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as a calculated try to generate political pressure and divert consideration from alleged ₦432 billion corruption allegations in Kaduna State.
Reacting to El-Rufai’s letter to the Nationwide Safety Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, through which he sought clarification over an alleged procurement of Thallium Sulphate from Poland, the Presidency mentioned the previous governor was spreading falsehoods to create concern and place himself as a sufferer.
In a publish on his verified X deal with, Senior Particular Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Temitope Ajayi, insisted that there was no authorities procurement or importation of Thallium Sulphate into Nigeria via the Workplace of the Nationwide Safety Adviser.
Ajayi additional alleged that El-Rufai had acquired a response from the NSA’s workplace however selected to not make it public.
“El-Rufai definitely obtained a reply to his letter from the NSA’s workplace, and he must be honourable sufficient to launch it simply as he mischievously launched his personal letter,” Ajayi acknowledged.
Based on the Presidency, the previous governor’s actions had been pushed by two motives: to destabilise the political surroundings via misinformation and to deflect from corruption allegations he’s going through in Kaduna State.
“The reality is: Mallam El-Rufai has two clear intentions behind his current actions and tantrums. One, to create political pressure within the nation and injury the federal government via deliberate misinformation. Two, to divert consideration from his home issues in Kaduna State, the place he’s going through large corruption allegations,” Ajayi mentioned.
The Presidency argued that El-Rufai was trying to “nationalise his private issues” as a result of, in its view, Nigerians wouldn’t sympathise with him over corruption allegations.
It additionally questioned his political standing in Kaduna, asking how he allegedly misplaced the help of crucial stakeholders after serving eight years as governor.
The assertion referenced the Kaduna State Home of Meeting’s petition to the Impartial Corrupt Practices and Different Associated Offences Fee (ICPC) and the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC), alleging that every one 28 members endorsed a name for investigation into the ₦432 billion claims.
It additional famous that the anti-graft companies had reportedly invited the previous governor.
Urging El-Rufai to handle the allegations, the Presidency mentioned he ought to concentrate on responding to the probe slightly than participating in what it described as political theatrics.
Deji Elumoye
Times Nigeria