A human rights advocacy group, the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN), has appealed to world powers to deny former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, entry into their countries, accusing him of fueling ethnic and religious tensions in Southern Kaduna.
In an open letter addressed to the United Nations Secretary-General, as well as the ambassadors and high commissioners of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, and other countries, TAN’s national coordinator, Comrade Michael Briggs, called on the international community to “act decisively” against the former governor.
Briggs alleged that El-Rufai has consistently promoted divisive rhetoric, citing his recent appearance on Channels Television where he claimed Southern Kaduna people make up less than 25 per cent of the state’s population and expressed no regrets over his policies toward the region during his eight years in office.
“On live television, he looked into the eyes of a nation and began the process of wiping a people off the map,” Briggs said.
“When you tell your followers a people do not count, it becomes easier to look away when they are slaughtered.”
The group also referenced El-Rufai’s 2019 statement threatening international election observers with being sent home “in body bags” as further evidence of his disregard for global norms.
TAN accused the former governor of presiding over a state that “drowned in blood,” alleging indifference to repeated attacks in Southern Kaduna communities. The group also recalled the 2015 military crackdown on members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) in Zaria, which left hundreds dead, claiming El-Rufai condoned atrocities against citizens.
The group urged foreign governments to declare El-Rufai persona non grata, revoke his access to international financial systems, and deny him visas.
“We cannot allow a man who threatens genocide on his own people to then find safe haven abroad,” TAN warned.
“Your action now is about telling Southern Kaduna they are seen, telling the victims they are remembered, and making clear that the world will no longer shelter leaders who use hate to fuel violence.”