Shehu Sani Exposes El-Rufai and Amaechi as ‘Architects of Banditry’ While Attacking Tinubu
Former senator and civil rights activist Shehu Sani has taken aim at ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, accusing them of hypocrisy and political opportunism for their recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking from his Kaduna residence, Sani condemned the pair for lacking the moral authority to attack the current government, pointing to their own records while in office.
“These men should bow their heads in shame,” Sani declared. “They are the architects of the banditry, poverty, and hunger they now pretend to condemn. During their time in power, they ignored these issues and now blame others because they have been excluded from today’s political landscape.”
Sani singled out El-Rufai for allegedly enabling the conditions that led to the rise of banditry in Kaduna during his eight-year tenure. He dismissed El-Rufai’s recent comments—made at a lecture honoring Amaechi—claiming “urban bandits” have taken over the Nigerian government, as insincere and politically motivated.
“There’s nothing wrong with criticizing a government,” Sani explained, “but when criticism is driven by personal disappointment over missed appointments rather than genuine concern for the people, it becomes dangerous.”
The former senator, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, accused both men of attempting to destabilize President Tinubu’s administration after failing to secure positions within it.
“These individuals had eight years under Buhari, wielding great power. If they truly cared about the North or Nigeria, they could have made a difference. Instead, they left the region worse off—plagued by insecurity, poverty, and neglect,” he said.
Sani did acknowledge ongoing challenges in parts of the North, including Katsina and Zamfara States, but insisted the security situation has improved under Tinubu’s government.
“For instance, travel along Birnin Gwari road, once a death trap, is now safer. Southern Kaduna, long neglected, is now relatively peaceful thanks to the current Chief of Defence Staff,” he noted.
While urging President Tinubu to do more for Northern Nigeria’s socio-economic development, Sani also called for constructive criticism rooted in patriotism, warning against attacks disguised as public interest but fueled by bitterness.
“Nigeria must learn from its past. Progress depends on even development and criticism based on love for the country—not political grudges,” he concluded.
