Former senator and civil rights activist, Shehu Sani, has criticised ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State over their recent comments against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing them of hypocrisy and political opportunism.

Speaking at a press conference in his Kaduna residence, Sani said El-Rufai and Amaechi lack the moral authority to criticise the current government, given their own records in office.

“These men should bow their heads in shame,” Sani declared. “They are the architects of the banditry, poverty, and hunger they now pretend to condemn. During their time in power, they ignored these very issues and now seek to blame others because they’ve been left out of the current political equation.”

Sani specifically accused El-Rufai of fostering the conditions that allowed banditry to flourish in Kaduna State during his eight-year tenure.

He dismissed El-Rufai’s recent remarks at a public lecture held in honor of Amaechi—where he claimed that “urban bandits” had taken over the Nigerian government—as insincere and politically motivated.

“There’s nothing wrong with criticizing a government,” Sani said, “but when it is fueled by personal disappointment over missed appointments and not genuine concern for the people, it becomes dangerous.”

The former senator, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, accused both men of seeking to destabilize President Tinubu’s administration after failing to secure positions within it.

“These individuals had eight years under the Buhari administration. They held immense power and influence. If they had truly cared about the North or Nigeria, they had ample opportunity to make a difference. Instead, they left the region worse off—plagued by insecurity, poverty, and lack of infrastructure,” he stated.

Sani acknowledged that challenges still persist in parts of the North, including Katsina and Zamfara States, but maintained that the security situation has improved under the current government.

“For example, people can now travel along the Birnin Gwari road, which was once a death trap. Southern Kaduna, which was neglected, is relatively more peaceful now—thanks to the efforts of the current Chief of Defence Staff,” he said.

While urging President Tinubu to do more to address Northern Nigeria’s socio-economic needs, Sani also called for openness to constructive criticism—but warned against politically motivated attacks disguised as public interest commentary.

“Nigeria must learn from its past. Progress can only be sustained when development is evenly spread and when criticism is rooted in patriotism, not bitterness,” he added.