Reported by All Times Global Magazine | Abuja, Nigeria
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has voiced deep concerns over the current state of governance in Nigeria, warning that the country’s leadership has been overtaken by what he starkly referred to as “urban bandits.”
El-Rufai made the remarks in Abuja on Saturday while delivering a keynote lecture at the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. The event, themed “Weaponization of Poverty in Nigeria,” drew attention to the ongoing challenges facing the nation.
“Nigeria is in its biggest trouble since 1914,” El-Rufai declared. “That is why we are working and conspiring to build a coalition to take Nigeria back on track — because it is completely off track.”
The former governor criticized the calibre of leadership steering the country, stating that unqualified individuals have been entrusted with power, leading to widespread dysfunction and national decline.
“We have allowed bandits — not the ones in the bushes — but urban bandits, to take over leadership,” he said. “Most of them don’t really know what to do. They just know how to grab power, but lack the vision, skill, and understanding to lead.”
El-Rufai emphasized that Nigeria’s most urgent need is competent and visionary leadership. He echoed a sentiment attributed to former Governor Babangida, lamenting the trend of entrusting national leadership to individuals lacking capacity and direction.
In his closing remarks, he called on Nigerians to become more deliberate, engaged, and discerning in choosing those who will occupy positions of authority.
“It’s time to elect leaders with competence, capability, capacity, and commitment. That is the only way to stop the cycle of decay and reclaim our nation’s future.”
The provocative comments come at a time of intense national debate on governance, insecurity, and economic hardship — and are likely to spark continued discussion among political observers, civil society, and the electorate.
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