Datti Baba-Ahmed Demands Investigation into El-Rufai's Bandit Payment Claim
Deborah Bassey
Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has urged the Nigerian security agencies to investigate former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s shocking allegations regarding the Federal Government’s dealings with bandits.
El-Rufai recently claimed that both the Federal and Kaduna State government have been paying bandits monthly allowances and providing them with food, as part of a policy described as “non-kinetic.” The former governor’s remarks, on Channels television recently have sparked widespread controversy, with El-Rufai condemning the government for “empowering bandits.”
Reacting to El Rufai’s allegations, the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Kaduna State Government have swiftly denied the claims, labeling them “unfounded”. However, Baba-Ahmed has questioned the adequacy of these rebuttals, insisting that the matter is too serious to be dismissed.
Appearing on Channels Television recently , Baba-Ahmed stated, “If the NSA takes this allegation lightly, then they are not fulfilling their duties.” He further argued that El-Rufai should be compelled to provide details to law enforcement agencies to support his claims.
Baba-Ahmed emphasized the importance of a formal investigation, stating, “This is a national issue. The public deserves to know the truth.” He added that El-Rufai’s statement carries significant implications for national security, and therefore, cannot be ignored.
El-Rufai’s controversial remarks come amid growing concerns over insecurity in Northern Nigeria, where banditry has been rampant in recent years. Critics have called for more decisive actions to address the issue, while some have questioned the effectiveness of the government’s current approach to combating banditry.
As tensions mount, Baba-Ahmed’s call for transparency and accountability has added another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate over Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
