A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has responded strongly to recent claims made by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing the allegations against National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani as grave, divisive, and damaging to national stability.
In a lengthy statement, Fani-Kayode said El-Rufai alleged three serious issues: that he bugged Ribadu’s phone and had access to sensitive conversations; that the Office of the National Security Adviser imported dangerous chemical agents into Nigeria; and that Ribadu and Uba Sani were conspiring to destroy him politically and jail him for life.
Fani-Kayode said the claims were alarming and could threaten national security and public confidence in government institutions.
He suggested that if any phone surveillance occurred, it may have been carried out by destabilising non-state actors rather than state officials.
He warned that boasting about bugging the NSA’s phone, if true, would constitute a serious national security breach.
Recounts long political ties
The former minister reflected on decades-old relationships among the political figures, noting that he, El-Rufai, Ribadu, and Uba Sani worked closely during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He said the group shared strong ties and worked collaboratively on national issues, adding that their bond endured despite later political differences.
Fani-Kayode criticised El-Rufai’s public statements and urged him to address any allegations through legal and institutional channels rather than media interviews.
He argued that public claims suggesting the importation of chemical weapons or conspiracies within the security establishment risk undermining national security and public trust.
Defence of Ribadu’s record
He described Ribadu as disciplined, strategic, and focused on national security, noting his past leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and his current role as National Security Adviser under President Bola Tinubu.
Fani-Kayode said Ribadu has concentrated on addressing security challenges and strengthening international cooperation.
The former minister urged El-Rufai to exercise restraint and allow due process to take its course amid ongoing investigations.
He noted that political leaders across Nigeria’s history including Muhammadu Buhari and Alex Ekwueme have faced detention or investigations at various points, emphasising that such processes are part of democratic governance.
Background
The response follows recent controversy surrounding El-Rufai’s detention and questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged financial misconduct and other security-related claims.
As the debate continues, analysts warn that escalating rhetoric among political elites could deepen tensions and distract from urgent national security and governance priorities.
