Onoh Defends El-Rufai: Calls Attacks on Ex-Governor Unwarranted
Denge Josef Onoh, former spokesman for President Bola Tinubu in the South East, has sharply criticized individuals attacking former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments regarding President Tinubu’s railway project in Lagos. El-Rufai came under fire after sharing an article by U.S.-based Nigerian professor Farooq Kperogi, who accused President Tinubu of ethnic favoritism in his appointments, particularly at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL).
In response to the criticism, Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the Eighth Assembly, accused El-Rufai of whining because Tinubu’s appointments didn’t favor him. Sani also referred to El-Rufai’s tenure as governor, alleging that his administration marginalized Southern Kaduna and made life difficult for its people.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga took to social media to defend the President, which sparked further debate. However, Onoh quickly clarified that Onanuga’s personal response should not be seen as disrespecting El-Rufai. “Onanuga has every right to express his views like anyone else,” Onoh explained, stressing that the President holds El-Rufai in high regard and that political differences should not lead to personal attacks.
Onoh emphasized that the relationship between President Tinubu and El-Rufai goes beyond politics, stating that it would be foolish for anyone to try to use social media to create discord between the two. He praised El-Rufai’s unwavering support for Tinubu during the campaign, even when others remained silent or tried to undermine the presidential bid. “He was one of the few who spoke out against the political manipulation of the Naira currency change,” Onoh recalled.
Onoh further assured that President Tinubu is focused on stabilizing the economy and implementing development projects, such as a proposed federal university in Southern Kaduna and a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan, which would directly benefit the region that Senator Shehu Sani has criticized for its historical marginalization.
Onoh also called for an end to attacks on El-Rufai, urging political figures to refrain from exploiting Sani’s statements as a means of currying favor with the President. He stated that disrespecting El-Rufai today could lead to disrespecting the President in the future, and highlighted El-Rufai’s positive contributions to the current government, including his support for key national initiatives.
Concluding his remarks, Onoh reaffirmed that Onanuga’s comment was not intended as an insult to El-Rufai and that anyone attempting to distort the narrative would fail. He praised El-Rufai for his loyalty and support, regardless of political differences, and reminded critics that true friendship with the President is built on shared vision and sincerity, not political opportunism.
