Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has accused former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai of discriminating against Christians during his eight-year tenure.
Fani-Kayode made the allegation in a viral video while commenting on the political situation in Kaduna State and the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
He claimed that Christians in Southern Kaduna faced killings, underdevelopment and discrimination under El-Rufai’s administration.
According to Fani-Kayode, Christian communities were allegedly denied development opportunities, while some Christian leaders were reportedly insulted because of their faith.
He said he and other Christians opposed what he described as El-Rufai’s policies but opted for peaceful resistance and prayer instead of violence.
Fani-Kayode also commended Governor Uba Sani, whom he described as a close associate and former aide of El-Rufai, for adopting what he considered a fairer approach to religious matters in the state.
He claimed that Sani had informed him of alleged incidents during cabinet meetings in which Christian officials were supposedly insulted because of their faith.
Fani-Kayode said Sani had assured him that the situation would change.
“Uba is a fair-minded person. When it comes to issues of faith, I can say it anywhere, anytime, any day, that he has no discriminatory tendencies at all,” Fani-Kayode said.
He further alleged that Sani later told him he had become aware of plans that could have adversely affected both Christians and Muslims in Kaduna.
Fani-Kayode criticised El-Rufai in strong terms and said he believed the former governor’s political influence had been weakened by Sani’s emergence.
However, Fani-Kayode’s allegations could not be independently verified from the remarks provided.
El-Rufai has previously faced criticism over his administration’s handling of security, religious and political issues in Kaduna, while his supporters have defended his record in office.
Fani-Kayode said the experience demonstrated that political change could take place without violence and urged people to continue pursuing peaceful ways of resolving political and religious disagreements.
