In this episode of the Mic On Podcast, host Seun Okinbaloye engaged in a tell-it-all dialogue with Hon. Bello El-Rufai, Member of the House of Representatives for Kaduna North Federal Constituency. As the son of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, Hon. Bello provided unique insights into various aspects of governance, family life, and Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
The conversation traversed through a myriad of topics, shedding light on the challenges faced by political figures like his father, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s lawlessness. Hon. Bello lamented the harsh judgment often directed towards his father, attributing it to the prevailing environment of lawlessness in the country. He dispelled misconceptions about his family’s religious practices, highlighting their moderate stance and the absence of a mosque in their household.
One of the focal points of the discussion was the involvement of Hon. Bello in persuading his father to collaborate with the current government despite initial reservations. Expressing disappointment over his father’s disqualification as a ministerial nominee, he underscored the loss Nigeria incurred by not having his father serve in that capacity. He revealed his role, alongside other key individuals, in convincing his father to work with the government, despite his reluctance initially.
The issue of state police emerged as a contentious topic during the conversation, with Hon. Bello advocating for its establishment as a means to hold governors accountable. He emphasized the potential of state police in addressing governance challenges at the regional level, echoing sentiments for its implementation.
Turning his attention to the socio-political topics, Hon. Bello expressed his skepticism towards the notion of political “Messiahs,” emphasizing a preference for pragmatic leadership over idealistic figures. He voiced his support for political personalities like President Tinubu over others, based on their track records and capabilities.
Addressing the challenges confronting the Northern region of Nigeria, Hon. Bello highlighted issues of under-education and overpopulation. He underscored the need for targeted interventions to address these pressing issues, rejecting approaches like mass weddings as solutions to deeper societal problems. Additionally, he clarified misconceptions about the association of banditry with Islam, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of insecurity.
In essence, the conversation with Hon. Bello El-Rufai provided valuable insights into the dynamics of governance, the untold stories of family influence, and the challenges facing Nigeria as the country travels through the socio-political landscape. His candid reflections serve as a reminder of the compounded nature of Nigeria’s journey towards progress and development.
Click here to watch full clip