Interview, Politics

El-Rufai Denies Begging Journalists

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has denied apologizing to journalists.

His aide, Samuel Aruwan speaking on his behalf said that; “Samuel Aruwan is the official designated to speak for the governor and the government of Malam Nasir el-Rufai.”

“It is only statements from the official spokesperson that can be attributed to the governor, except in circumstances where designated senior officials have been mandated to represent the governor at events, and the speeches they will read at such places will have been suitably vetted and approved.”

“Malam El-Rufai will not brook individuals trying to pass off their personal opinions as his. He is well-known for the frank expression of his views, and, as a leader, does not do proxies in taking responsibility for his actions, or those of the government he heads.”

“On several platforms, especially his live radio chats, he has taken responsibility for the actions of his government, giving credit to officials when success comes, and taking the flak for low moments. As the man on whose table the buck stops, he has never abdicated nor delegated the duty of accountability.”

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“It is important to reiterate that the government has nothing to apologise to journalists for. The government pursues an open and transparent policy. The government maintains valuable partnerships with several credible media platforms.”

“And it has never deformed its state-owned broadcaster into a propaganda outfit. Neither has it obliged that coterie of individuals who try to use journalism for purposes of extortion and blackmail. No journalist has faced any consequence for criticising Malam Nasir El-Rufai because criticism and abuse are part of the package for a leader.”

“And in matters involving attacks on his reputation, Malam El-Rufai is pursuing civil proceedings in the courts. The NUJ may choose to confer awards on persons undergoing trial for fabricating stories, but the Kaduna State Government has no such luxury. There is no apology for curing people of the illusion that press freedom implies license to blackmail or incite religious and ethnic violence.”

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This is a clarification to the statement by the governor’s Counselor on Information, Alhaji Saidu Adamu where he said; “Governor El-Rufai is learning, he is bound to make mistakes and through that we make amendment. It is normal to have issues among ourselves especially in a state and when amendment is made, that is the only way the state will grow.”

“It is very important that we collaborate with you journalists and that is why I have come to interact with you and also appeal to you that l want you to be part of us. What has happened has happened.”

“I want to have a new course with you, to chart a new role, to work in collaboration with you. I want you to assist us because we need you more than you need us. We should chart a new way of how you will promote the activities of the state government. We will continue going round with you to see what the governor is doing.”

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“We know we have a lot of challenges in the state, we will not allow it until something happen before going to the press, we should try to work together.”

“Malam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai is a human being like any other person, so he can make mistakes. I am here to appeal to you to ask you to be a little bit patience with the government and to work with you to project the activities of this government.”

“I see you as important hands needed to move the state forward. Malam Nasiru Ahmed El-Rufai has his left and right and so we should join hands together to move the state forward.”