By Erewunmi Peace

The Arewa Think Tank, a Northern Nigeria civil advocacy group, has cautioned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai against misinterpreting President Bola Tinubu’s tolerance and patience as a sign of weakness. The statement comes amid recent political disagreements and public criticisms involving El‑Rufai.

The Warning
The group, led by Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, stated that El‑Rufai should focus on addressing challenges from his tenure as governor rather than making public statements against the President or other political figures. “Tolerance should not be taken as weakness,” the statement emphasized.

Context of the Statement
The warning follows a series of comments and criticisms by El‑Rufai regarding national security figures and political developments.

The Arewa Think Tank urged political actors to exercise caution in their public engagements and maintain respect for the office of the President.

Reaction from Observers
Political analysts suggest that the statement reflects growing tensions within certain Northern political circles and highlights the importance of strategic communication among public figures. The group’s position has been described as a reminder of political decorum and respect for national leadership.

The Arewa Think Tank’s warning underscores the sensitivity of political interactions in Nigeria and signals the need for caution among political leaders. Observers say this is part of ongoing discourse around leadership, influence, and accountability in Northern Nigeria.