El-Rufai laments ‘jealousy’ in political circles amid corruption allegations

Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna state, took to social media on Saturday to share his thoughts on what he called “envy” among Nigeria’s political class.

His comments come amid allegations of corruption and misuse of government funds during his eight years as governor.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has accused the El-Rufai administration of embezzling ₦432 billion, leaving the state with significant debts. An ad hoc committee set up by the Assembly to investigate finances, loans and contracts awarded under the El-Rufai administration submitted its report in June, revealing that most loans were not used for their intended purposes, and due process was often ignored.

The committee recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and several members of his cabinet for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering.

However, El-Rufai, in a lengthy post on X, dismissed the allegations, describing envy as an “incurable disease” common in political circles. He expressed doubt that the disease could be cured, citing the need to confront and weaken the “envy virus” for Nigeria to achieve greatness.

The caption reads, “WEEKEND REFLECTION: “NONE of us must fail for ALL of us to succeed. And in unity there is strength.” – @VP Kamala Harris, US Vice President (2021-2024) and Democratic Presidential Nominee at the Democratic National Convention.

“The above quote made me ponder the meaning and implications for our situation in Nigeria. Envy requires EVERYONE to fail so that ONE can succeed.

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“Envy is quite common among the main actors in our political system. Competence, capacity and commitment are some of the personal leadership qualities that invite envy from those who lack or do not possess these indices.

“Instead of striving to achieve something, jealous people try to hate and destroy those who are better. Jealousy leads to hatred.

“Hatred leads to destructive thoughts and actions, including unspeakable crimes such as perjury, malicious prosecution, persecution, unlawful imprisonment, torture and even murder of the target of hatred.

“Can the incurable disease of envy among Nigerians, especially in politics, be cured? Personally, I doubt it.

“The problems that have emerged in Nigeria are the result of the continued deterioration of the competence, capacity and commitment of political leadership.

“Society succeeds or fails depending on these personal and institutional qualities.

“Come what may, the incurable IRI virus must be confronted and crushed, if not cured, if Nigeria is to achieve its manifest destiny of greatness and leadership of the Black Race. I pray that this may come to pass. Amen.”

El-Rufai laments ‘jealousy’ among political class amid corruption allegations first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.