Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has renewed his attack on former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, accusing the former governor of persecuting Christians and marginalising Christian communities during his eight years in office.
Fani-Kayode made the allegations during a meeting with the Chairman of the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab, and members of the association’s executive council.
The meeting came amid the growing political dispute between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani. However, Fani-Kayode insisted that his criticism of the former governor goes beyond the current political disagreements.
Fani-Kayode Alleges Discrimination Against Christians
According to Fani-Kayode, Christians in Kaduna experienced what he described as unfair treatment during El-Rufai’s administration.
He alleged that Christians were killed during the former governor’s tenure, while some communities in Southern Kaduna were allegedly denied adequate development and government allocations.
The former minister also accused El-Rufai of making derogatory remarks about Christian leaders and treating some Christian officials with contempt.
Fani-Kayode further claimed that many Christians protested against policies they considered discriminatory but deliberately avoided violence, choosing instead to pursue peaceful protests and prayer.
Ex-Minister Recalls Treatment of El-Rufai’s Deputy
Fani-Kayode specifically cited the experience of Barnabas Bala Bantex, who served as deputy governor under El-Rufai.
He alleged that Bantex was subjected to insults during cabinet meetings because of his Christian faith.
“Barnabas Bala Bantex, who served as El-Rufai’s deputy governor, was subjected to insults because of his Christian faith during cabinet meetings,” Fani-Kayode alleged.
He went on to make a stronger accusation against the former governor, describing him as a “monster” who allegedly sought to weaken Christian communities and undermine their faith.
Fani-Kayode: My Criticism Is Not Just About Politics
Fani-Kayode also rejected the suggestion that his opposition to El-Rufai was simply the result of political rivalry.
He claimed that some of his Muslim associates had previously contacted him to complain about policies and statements attributed to the former governor.
“El-Rufai is a monster who attempted to weaken Christian communities and undermine their faith. He did not enjoy unanimous support among Muslims during his time in office,” he said.
The ambassador added that his Muslim associates had raised concerns with him about some of El-Rufai’s policies and comments.
“My criticism of El-Rufai is not based solely on party politics,” Fani-Kayode said.
The allegations come as political tensions surrounding El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani continue to attract attention in Kaduna and beyond. El-Rufai has not been quoted in the report as responding specifically to the allegations made by Fani-Kayode.
