El-Rufai alleges Tinubu’s govt behind US proposed sanctions against Kwankwaso
El-Rufai Claims Tinubu Administration Linked to Proposed US Sanctions Against Kwankwaso
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has asserted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu may be involved in efforts to impose U.S. sanctions against Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State.
In an interview with Prime Time on Arise Television, El-Rufai expressed concerns regarding a proposed U.S. congressional bill aimed at enforcing visa restrictions and asset freezes against individuals accused of serious violations of religious freedom. He characterized the inclusion of Kwankwaso on the sanctions list as unwarranted.
“It is most unfair to tag Kwankwaso,” El-Rufai stated, suggesting that a reported $9 million lobbying effort might have influenced this decision, particularly given Kwankwaso’s refusal to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai implied that the federal government might be behind the move, citing rumors of Kwankwaso potentially aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC). “I cannot think of anyone else behind it,” he added.
He also raised questions about why Kwankwaso was singled out, noting that several northern states have enacted Sharia law. “I thought Zamfara should be listed there if anyone is to be blamed for this Sharia fiasco,” he commented, emphasizing that Kano’s implementation of Sharia was less stringent compared to other states.
According to El-Rufai, Kwankwaso should not be classified as a hardline governor, as he followed a similar approach to that of many of his counterparts in the north. He pointed out that former governors of Zamfara, such as Ahmed Yerima and Abdulaziz Yari, who oversaw more rigorous enforcement of Sharia law, were not targeted because of their affiliation with the APC.
The proposed bill, sponsored by Chris Smith and co-sponsored by Riley Moore, also identifies the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Fulani ethnic militias over allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
