The ongoing war of words between National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and former Police Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner, Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, just got a bit more heated. Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has now waded into the drama, accusing Ribadu of having “serious amnesia” regarding his past statements about President Bola Tinubu. Let’s break down this fascinating political feud and El-Rufai’s bold intervention.
The Feud: Ribadu vs. Muhammad
It all started when Naja’atu Muhammad made a bold accusation in a viral TikTok video. According to Muhammad, Ribadu, during his time as the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), publicly criticized President Tinubu, calling him and other former governors thieves who had stolen from the public treasury. This explosive claim immediately sparked a response from Ribadu.
In a letter sent through his lawyer, Dr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, Ribadu demanded an apology and retraction from Muhammad, denying that he ever made such allegations. Ribadu claims that the damage caused by Muhammad’s accusations was “unquantifiable,” as they directly contradicted his stance and history.
Ribadu’s Denial vs. Muhammad’s Stance
Ribadu’s letter pointed to specific accusations Muhammad made—chiefly, that Ribadu had named Tinubu, Senator George Akume, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu among the governors who allegedly misappropriated public funds. He also took issue with her suggestion that Ribadu, who once allegedly criticized Tinubu, has now become one of his strongest defenders.
However, Muhammad has remained defiant, refusing to apologize. She insists the records of Ribadu’s previous statements are there to back up her claims, stating she has nothing to retract.
El-Rufai Takes a Shot at Ribadu
Enter Nasir El-Rufai, who has added fuel to the fire with his sharp remarks. The former governor wasted no time in defending Naja’atu Muhammad, taunting Ribadu by suggesting he was suffering from “serious amnesia.” El-Rufai referred to official records from 2006, including Senate proceedings and a Daily Trust report from February 2007, that he says will confirm Ribadu’s previous accusations about Tinubu and other political figures.
El-Rufai further referenced a 2006 Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting where, according to him, Ribadu’s EFCC presented allegations against several sitting officials. El-Rufai confidently stated that these records, which can be accessed from the Cabinet Secretariat, would prove Muhammad’s point and clear up any doubts.
