‘There’s no justification for gender-based crimes’ — el-Rufai’s son apologises over Twitter controversy

Bello el-Rufai, son of Kaduna state governor, has apologised for recently directing obscene words at a Twitter user during a heated argument.

TheCable Lifestyle had reported how the governor’s son caused a stir on social media after he hurled abusive words at the mother of the user, with the name Consigliere, in the heat of a conversation.

Bello had faulted President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the US.

Consigliere had, however, told him to direct such criticisms at President Muhammdu Buhari, whom he claimed cannot be compared to his American counterpart in terms of leadership.

Bello, seemingly infuriated, had hurled insults at the user, asking him to “tell your mother I’m passing her to my friends tonight. No Igbo sounds, please! Tueh.”

His comment had attracted negative reactions on social media platforms.

But in a statement on Friday, Bello apologised for his action, explaining that he made the comment “during the heat of the moment”.

“A few days ago, I made a comment that was wrong, unbecoming and contrary to the values on which I wa raised. I wish to withdraw the statement and apologise to the gentleman concerned for the hurtful comment. I also apologise for appearing to attack and entire ethnic group for the misdeed of one person,” the statement read.

My apology. pic.twitter.com/t3JKHeJNY0

— Bello El-Rufai (@B_ELRUFAI) April 17, 2020

“I regret the sexual innuendo in the private message and apologise unreservedly for it. I wish to state very strongly that the statement was made during the heat of the moment and I wish to put on the record that I do not condone sexual violence.”

Bello noted that there can be no justification for gender-based crimes, adding that the experience had taught him how to behave better subsequently.

“I certainly do not believe that there can be any justification for gender-based crimes. I am learning from the episode in the continuous journey of emerging as a better person. I have apologized to my mother in person,” he added.

“I have also reached out to the women in my life and apologised. I realise that the intensity around this matter stems partly from my surname.

Bello said he regretted that his action has brought ridicule to his family which has always uphold strong values in the society.

“The mistakes I made with the private message and in smearing an ethnic group because of group because of one person are now being replicated by people that are attacking my parents and my family because of my conduct,” he said.

“I am one of many children in a family raised with standards of decency and strong values of which my recent conduct has fallen short.

“I appreciate the time that friends and loved ones have taken to show me the error of my ways. I apologise to the general public in recognition of the duty to acknowledge wrongdoing and strive to be better.”

The apology comes days after Hadiza El-Rufai, his mother and wife of the state governor, had told him never to use sexual abuse as ammunition during private or public conversations.