The political atmosphere of Nigeria has often been marked by a tumultuous interplay of power, authority, and the consequences of governance. One of the most striking examples of this dynamic is the tenure of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. Known for his authoritarian approach and a penchant for silencing dissent, El-Rufai’s leadership style has drawn both admiration and criticism. However, the recent events surrounding his administration reveal a profound irony: the very tactics he employed to suppress opposition have now come back to haunt him. The phrase “paying El-Rufai coin for coin” encapsulates this notion of retribution, where the consequences of his actions are now manifesting in a way that he may not have anticipated.
El-Rufai’s governance was characterized by a stringent approach to political gatherings and public discourse. He often dismissed dissenting voices, viewing them as threats to his authority. His administration’s crackdown on political gatherings was particularly evident during a security consultation meeting held by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) at Arewa House in Kaduna on December 14, 2022. This meeting, intended to foster dialogue on pressing security issues, was violently interrupted by armed youths loyal to El-Rufai. The brutal assault on respected participants, including retired security officers, not only highlighted the governor’s intolerance for dissent but also underscored the lengths to which he would go to maintain control.
The incident at Arewa House serves as a microcosm of El-Rufai’s broader governance strategy—one that prioritized force over dialogue and intimidation over engagement. By unleashing armed thugs on a peaceful gathering, he demonstrated a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law. The use of violence as a tool for political control is a dangerous precedent, one that undermines the very fabric of a democratic society. Ironically, the repercussions of such actions have begun to unfold, leading to a situation where El-Rufai is now facing the consequences of his own policies.
The adage “what goes around comes around” poignantly encapsulates the current predicament of El-Rufai, who, less than two years after the CNG incident, now finds himself lamenting the mobilization of thugs to disrupt his political gathering in Kaduna. This region, once under his authoritative control for eight years, has turned against him, reflecting a profound irony in the political landscape. Furthermore, the public’s outcry for his arrest and prosecution for allegedly instigating violence underscores a growing demand for accountability, revealing how swiftly the tides of political fortune can shift and the consequences of past actions can resurface.
The very tactics that El-Rufai employed to silence his opponents are now being wielded against him. The public outcry and backlash following the violent disruption of the CNG meeting reflect a growing discontent with his administration. Citizens who once feared retribution for speaking out against his regime are now emboldened, recognizing that the power dynamics have shifted. El-Rufai’s attempts to control the narrative through intimidation have backfired, and he now finds himself in a position where he is perceived as the instigator of violence rather than a protector of peace.
Moreover, the fallout from the incident at Arewa House has broader implications for the political climate in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole. It serves as a stark reminder that the suppression of dissent can lead to greater instability and unrest. The citizens of Kaduna, once silenced by fear, are now demanding accountability and justice. The call for a reckoning with El-Rufai’s actions is not merely a reaction to a single event; it is a manifestation of a deeper yearning for democratic governance and respect for human rights.
In conclusion, the phrase “paying El-Rufai coin for coin” encapsulates the notion of retribution that is unfolding in Kaduna State. The violent tactics employed by El-Rufai to maintain control have ultimately led to a backlash that he could not have foreseen. As the citizens reclaim their voices and demand accountability, it becomes evident that the consequences of authoritarian governance are not easily escaped. El-Rufai’s legacy will be shaped not only by his policies and actions but also by the collective response of a populace that is determined to hold him accountable for the violence and oppression that marked his tenure. In the end, the payment for his actions may be far greater than he ever anticipated.
