In a recent publication by The Nation, renowned columnist Sam Omatseye has launched a blistering critique against former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his son, Bello El-Rufai, a current member of the House of Representatives. The article, which delves into allegations of corruption and nepotism, has stirred significant public interest and debate.
Omatseye’s article primarily addresses the serious allegations that Nasir El-Rufai mismanaged a loan of N423 billion during his tenure as governor. The columnist highlights the gravity of these accusations, suggesting that they undermine the integrity and accountability expected of public office holders. This scrutiny comes at a time when El-Rufai’s political future appears uncertain, particularly after speculations of a fallout with President Bola Tinubu, who had initially considered him for a ministerial role.
Adding fuel to the fire, Omatseye also responds to a recent derogatory tweet by Bello El-Rufai. The tweet, which has since gone viral, disparaged Omatseye, calling him “Sam the houseboy at 70, of the Toilet Paper called The Nation.” In his article, Omatseye recounts the context of this tweet and its implications, highlighting a disturbing trend of disrespect and deflection in response to serious allegations.
“A tweet went viral last week from the fingers of lawmaker and son of former Kaduna State governor, Bello El-Rufai. I did not see it until quite a few people forwarded it to me,” Omatseye wrote. “A former minister also sent it to me with a comment, ‘This little prick needs to be put in his place.’ What did Bello, a member of House of Representatives, write? ‘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 to him. We also laughed at a shameless idiot, Sam the houseboy at 70, of the Toilet Paper called The Nation.’ He accompanied the tweet with a picture of the back of his father, the former governor who bleeds rather than talk.”
Omatseye does not hold back in his response, calling out Bello for his attempt to divert attention from the corruption allegations against his father by resorting to personal attacks. He questions the quality of leadership and accountability demonstrated by Bello, who, according to Omatseye, has been sheltered by his father’s influence and lacks real-world experience.
“So, that is the quality of a lawmaker in today’s democracy of the 21st century. A father is accused of stealing over N400 billion, the son goes to the toilet to defend him. Is that the sort of family that should spill into the public square? So, if father is an accused thief, son is a liar. What a combo of family. Who is shameless if not a thief or a liar? The Nation is toilet paper but it was not so when it defended him in the past, when he made headlines against his enemies. It is because he has a toilet imagination that Bello’s father can be accused of stealing and he does not hide himself in the shadows. He calls me 70, where is his fact? His father returned to Atiku, the man he betrayed for OBJ. he has returned to his own vomit. So, it is a case of a traitor cohabiting with a defector. What a marriage. And they say they love this country? Bello himself has been pampered by his father. He never had any real job in this country before he became lawmaker, except a stint at a Chinese firm his father helped him get. He schooled outside this country. I recall challenging his father at Sheraton sometime ago in front of my editor colleagues when he wanted to advertise his integrity. He said his salary was small. I asked him how he funded his children, including Bello, from a government salary that could not pay more than a month’s rent abroad. He could not answer me then. Now I know why, and why his son must defend his father.”
This damning critique goes beyond personal grievances, touching on larger issues of political ethics, accountability, and the quality of leadership in Nigeria. Omatseye draws attention to the significant resources and influence that the El-Rufai family has wielded, questioning whether they have been used for public good or personal gain.
The article also contextualizes Omatseye’s history of political commentary, recalling a previous controversial piece titled ‘Obi-tuary,’ which was critical of then-presidential candidate Peter Obi and his supporters, known as the Obidients. This history underscores Omatseye’s role as a provocateur in Nigerian political discourse, unafraid to tackle powerful figures and contentious issues.
Omatseye’s latest article is a significant contribution to ongoing discussions about governance and integrity in Nigeria, shedding light on the actions of influential political figures and prompting a broader reflection on the values that should guide public service.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
