By Abiola Olawale
The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai might have taken a swipe at his successor, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State who is investigating him over alleged corruption and misappropriation of government funds.
This is as El-Rufai, took to social media and declared that there is “envy” among Nigeria’s political class.
According to him, envy has escalated into an “incurable disease”, leading to hatred and destructive actions.
He said: “WEEKEND REFLECTION: “NONE of us have to fail for ALL of us to succeed. And in unity there is strength.” – @VP Kamala Harris, US Vice President (2021-2024) and Democratic Presidential Candidate at the Democratic National Convention.
“The quote above led me to reflect on the meaning and implications for our situation in Nigeria. Feelings of envy require that EVERYONE fails for ONE to succeed.
“Envy is quite prevalent amongst the key actors in our political system. Competence, capacity, and commitment are some personal leadership qualities that attract the envy of those lacking or deficient in these indices.
“Instead of striving to attain, the envious seeks to hate and destroy those that are better. Envy leads to hatred.
“Hatred leads to destructive thoughts and actions, including unspeakable crimes like perjury, malicious prosecution, persecution, unlawful imprisonment, torture and even murder for the target(s) of the envy.
“Can the incurable disease of envy amongst Nigerians, particularly among the members of the political class, be cured? I doubt it.
“The emerging problem of Nigeria is the outcome of the continuously deteriorating competence, capacity and commitment of the political leadership.
“Societies succeed or fail depending on these personal and institutional qualities.
“No matter what, the incurable virus of ENVY has to be confronted and degraded, if not cured if Nigeria is to achieve its manifest destiny of greatness and leadership of the Black Race. I pray this can be realised. Amen.”
The New Diplomat reports that this is coming after Kaduna State House of Assembly had alleged that El-Rufai’s administration siphoned ₦432 billion, leaving the state with huge debt liabilities.
It would be recalled that an ad-hoc committee which investigated the administration of El-Rufai also recommended investigating and prosecuting the immediate past governor and some of his cabinet members for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.
However, the former governor has vehemently denied any involvement in corruption and misappropriation of government funds during his eight-year tenure.
