In a sensational outburst that has captured public attention, Bello El-Rufai, the son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and a member of the House of Representatives, took to Twitter to defend his father's tarnished reputation. The tweet, which quickly went viral, featured a photo of his father and contained disparaging remarks about a journalist, Sam Omatseye. Bello's tweet read, "Thanks. I left the office early to see him off at the airport. I just told him a lot of you do love him and have been supportive. I shared some tweets with him. We also laughed at a shameless idiot, Sam the houseboy at 70, of the Toilet Paper called The Nation."
This public defence of his father, who has been accused of embezzling over N400 billion, raises significant questions about the ethics and integrity of the El-Rufai family. The derogatory term "toilet paper" used to describe The Nation newspaper, which once supported the El-Rufai family, underscores the bitterness and disdain that now defines their relationship.
The Quality of Today’s Lawmakers
Bello's outburst reflects poorly on the quality of today's lawmakers in Nigeria's democracy. His father faces serious allegations of corruption, yet instead of addressing these issues, Bello chooses to attack those who question his father's integrity. This behaviour not only tarnishes his own reputation but also casts a shadow over the legislative body he represents.
The elder El-Rufai's silence on these allegations and his son's aggressive defence suggest a troubling dynamic within the family. Instead of transparency and accountability, the El-Rufais seem to prefer deflection and personal attacks. This raises the question: Is this the kind of family that should be involved in public service?
Hypocrisy and Betrayal
Sam Omatseye, the journalist targeted in Bello's tweet, pointed out the hypocrisy in the El-Rufai family's actions. He recalled an incident where Nasir El-Rufai, then a government official, boasted about his integrity and complained about his modest salary. Omatseye challenged him on how he can afford to send his children, including Bello, to expensive schools abroad on a government salary. El-Rufai was unable to provide a satisfactory answer at the time, and the recent allegations of corruption provide a possible explanation.
Furthermore, Omatseye highlighted the betrayal and opportunism displayed by Nasir El-Rufai. He noted that El-Rufai had previously betrayed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in favour of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, only to later align himself with Atiku again. This pattern of shifting loyalties for personal gain further diminishes El-Rufai's credibility and calls into question his commitment to the country's welfare.
The Pampered Politician
Bello El-Rufai's privileged background and lack of substantial work experience also add to the controversy. Before becoming a lawmaker, his only notable employment was at a Chinese firm, a position allegedly secured through his father's influence. His education abroad, funded by questionable means, contrasts sharply with the struggles of ordinary Nigerians who rely on government services.
Bello's aggressive defence of his father can be seen as a reflection of his pampered upbringing and sense of entitlement. Rather than acknowledging the serious allegations against his father, he resorts to personal attacks and derogatory language, further alienating the public and eroding trust in the political system.
A Call for Accountability
The El-Rufai family's behaviour underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in Nigerian politics. Public officials and their families should be held to high ethical standards, and allegations of corruption should be thoroughly investigated. Deflecting criticism through personal attacks only serves to undermine the democratic process and erode public trust.
In conclusion, the El-Rufai saga is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria's democracy. It highlights the need for leaders committed to integrity, accountability, and the public good. As the public continues to scrutinize the actions of their elected officials, those in power must respond with transparency and honesty, rather than resorting to deflection and personal attacks. The future of Nigeria's democracy depends on it.