Kabiru Haruna
In a society yearning for purposeful leadership, few names resonate with the courage, clarity, and commitment to development as much as Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
His journey through public service—from his role as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, to his tenure as Governor of Kaduna State—remains a powerful testament to what visionary leadership can achieve.
Often described as a rare gem, El-Rufai distinguished himself by his fearless disposition. As Minister of the FCT, he undertook the massive task of restoring the Abuja Master Plan, demolishing illegal structures, and sanitising the cityscape. Though controversial, his actions were driven by a desire to uphold order, discipline, and long-term planning.
When he took the reins as Governor of Kaduna State, his reformist spirit remained undiminished.
He tackled sensitive issues with unwavering resolve, implementing policies that prioritized infrastructural development, education reform, and civil service restructuring. In doing so, he demonstrated that governance must be rooted in principles, not populism.
El-Rufai’s style of leadership is not one of comfort or convenience. He consistently chose the hard path—the path of truth, justice, and merit.
His intellect, combined with his uncompromising standards, helped dismantle the unruly tendencies that often plague Nigerian politics.
He is a man whose name evokes both admiration and debate, but what cannot be denied is his impact. Whether reshaping Abuja or transforming Kaduna, Nasir El-Rufai has shown that leadership is not about pleasing everyone, but about doing what is right for the people and for the future.
In a time where mediocrity often triumphs over merit, El-Rufai stands tall as a beacon of what true governance should look like. Fearless, focused, and forward-thinking—he is indeed a governor befitting our time.