Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has renewed his criticism of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
In fresh allegations, Fani-Kayode accused El-Rufai of persecuting Christians and marginalising Christian communities during his eight years in office as governor.
Fani-Kayode made the allegations during a meeting with the Chairman of the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, and his entire Executive Council, while speaking about the growing political disagreement between El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani.
According to him, the treatment of Christians under El-Rufai went beyond political differences and amounted to discrimination against some communities in the state.
He further alleged that Christians were killed during El-Rufai’s administration, while some communities in Southern Kaduna were denied development and government allocations, accusing him of making derogatory comments about Christian leaders and treating some Christian officials with contempt.
The ex-minister noted that many Christians in Kaduna protested against what they considered unfair policies but largely chose peace and prayer instead of violence.
“Barnabas Bala Bantex, who served as El-Rufai’s deputy governor, was subjected to insults because of his Christian faith during cabinet meetings.
“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.
“Some of my Muslim associates had contacted me to complain about policies and statements attributed to El-Rufai. My criticism of El-Rufai is not based solely on party politics,” he said.
El-Rufai persecuted Christians, marginalised their communities in Kaduna – Fani-Kayode alleges