Osuntokun cautions El-Rufai over ‘transferred aggression’ against Ribadu

Mr. Akin Osuntokun has cautioned former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, against directing “devious transferred aggression” at Mr. Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser.

Osuntokun, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), issued the caution in a statement on Tuesday.

He described El-Rufai’s recent public comments about Ribadu as “a dangerous obsession” lacking justification.

“What is happening now on the part of El-Rufai is a devious transferred aggression and dangerous obsession with Ribadu,” he said.

Osuntokun alleged that the former governor was attempting to deflect scrutiny from issues arising from his tenure in Kaduna State.

He accused El-Rufai of deploying “a Gobbellish strategy of muddying the waters” to confuse Nigerians about alleged wrongdoing.

Recalling their shared service under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Osuntokun said he had known both men closely.

He noted that he served as presidential adviser on political affairs during the Obasanjo administration.

He questioned attempts to link Ribadu to allegations facing El-Rufai.

“For instance, what has Ribadu got to do with a June 2024 report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly accusing his government of mismanaging ₦423.2 billion?” he asked.

He noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had invited El-Rufai and former officials for questioning.

“The EFCC has since invited El-Rufai and several former officials who served under him for questioning,” he said.

Osuntokun accused El-Rufai of resorting to “Kangaroo debate gimmickry” to gain public sympathy.

“He is engaging what is known as ‘Kangaroo debate’ gimmickry, a format that rewards flashy, shallow tactics,” he said.

He alleged that El-Rufai was deliberately dragging Ribadu into unnecessary controversy.

Quoting the late Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, he likened the situation to a “roforofo fight”.

“Dem go look like twins, you know go know who be who,” he quoted Fela as saying.

Osuntokun maintained that the dispute should not be framed as mutual hostility between the two men.

He argued that, based on past criticisms of El-Rufai’s politics, Ribadu should reconsider any association with the former governor.

NAN reports that El-Rufai honoured an EFCC invitation on Monday over allegations linked to his governorship.

The December 2025 invitation forms part of investigations into alleged financial misconduct involving about ₦432 billion.

The probe is being conducted with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, before which El-Rufai is expected to appear on Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The Federal Government has filed a three-count charge against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/99/2026, list the Federal Republic of Nigeria as complainant and El-Rufai as defendant.

Prosecutors alleged that, during an appearance on a TV’s Prime Time in Abuja, El-Rufai admitted unlawfully intercepting Ribadu’s telephone communications.

The development has further heightened political tensions, with observers closely watching the unfolding legal and political drama.

Vanguard News

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