Writing By Daniel Karlmax, Editing By Godwin Duru
The Youth Wing of the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) has issued a scathing response to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, over what it described as “reckless, divisive and hate-filled” remarks made against the people of Southern Kaduna during a recent national television interview.
In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Simon, the SOKAPU Youth Wing condemned el-Rufai’s utterances, describing them as a “deliberate attempt to misrepresent and demean” a people who have consistently contributed to the unity, peace, and development of both Kaduna State and the Nigerian nation.
According to the group, el-Rufai, during the interview, made a number of disparaging claims, including describing Southern Kaduna as violent, accusing its people of having a sense of entitlement, and suggesting they represent less than 25% of the state’s population.
He also reportedly likened the people to the outlawed El-Zakzaky-led Shiite group, accused them of using the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to rig elections, and claimed they dominated the state civil service—a situation he said justified mass sackings during his administration.
In what the group described as “open disdain,” el-Rufai allegedly stated that he exhibited zero tolerance for the “nonsense behaviour” of Southern Kaduna people and did not care about what anyone thought of his actions.
He also reportedly said that only a few people in the region whom he had empowered understood and supported him, and that the opinions of others in the area were irrelevant to him.
The SOKAPU Youth Wing said it was not surprised by the remarks, given what it called el-Rufai’s history of “half-truths, deception, and authoritarian tendencies.”
However, it expressed concern that unsuspecting Nigerians might take his statements at face value, hence the need to set the record straight.
“The reason behind El-Rufai’s renewed hatred against Southern Kaduna is not difficult to understand,”
“When his name surfaced for ministerial nomination, we petitioned the National Assembly and relevant agencies”
“In that petition, we outlined in detail why he was unfit for public office—citing his undemocratic style of governance, serial human rights violations, disregard for court orders, abuse of civil service procedures, and suppression of press freedom.”
The group said it was this “weight of evidence” that influenced the National Assembly’s decision to withhold his confirmation, adding that the former governor has since harboured resentment toward the region for its role in what it described as “protecting democracy.”
They noted that his expectations of continued marginalization of Christians under the Tinubu administration have been disappointed, as Southern Kaduna has emerged a major beneficiary of federal presence in recent months.
Among the cited developments were the establishment of a University of Applied Sciences, a Federal Medical Centre, and several other federal projects under the current administration.
The group said these developments have further strengthened Southern Kaduna’s relevance in the Nigerian project, which in turn has fueled el-Rufai’s frustration.
Reaffirming the character and values of the people of Southern Kaduna, the SOKAPU Youth Wing said the region is known for its resilience, hospitality, and commitment to national development
The youth group called on the former governor to retract his statements and to tender an unreserved public apology to the people of Southern Kaduna.
They also urged political leaders across the country to use their words responsibly and promote peace, tolerance, and unity.
Concluding the statement, SOKAPU Youth reiterated its resolve not to be distracted by attempts to cast the region in a negative light.
Daniel Karlmax
