By Our Correspondent
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai says his experience in detention and the ongoing legal proceedings against him have prompted him to reflect on some of his relationships, including those with colleagues, friends and family members.
El-Rufai made the remarks in a statement posted on X, saying he had taken note of the silence of some people whom he had publicly supported or closely associated with in the past.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” the former governor said, adding that the experience had given him an opportunity to reassess the nature of some of his relationships.
A source close to El-Rufai said the former governor was referring, among others, to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and some of his close associates, whom he believes have remained largely silent over his prolonged detention.
The source said Sanusi had been relatively quiet on El-Rufai’s situation, while appearing to maintain cordial relations with both the state and federal governments.
El-Rufai had, however, publicly supported Sanusi following his dethronement as Emir of Kano by then-Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.
Within days of Sanusi’s removal from the throne, El-Rufai appointed him Vice-Chairman of the Kaduna State Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) and Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU), providing him with roles in the state’s public institutions.
El-Rufai also travelled to Awe, Nasarawa State, where Sanusi had been confined, shortly after a Federal High Court ordered the deposed emir’s release. He subsequently escorted Sanusi in his convoy to Abuja, from where Sanusi travelled to Lagos to reunite with his family.
The former governor had openly criticised Sanusi’s dethronement, describing him as a global asset and maintaining a strained relationship with Ganduje over the matter.
El-Rufai is currently facing prosecution over allegations including money laundering and abuse of office. He has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
He has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, following his release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The ICPC has said his detention is based on court-authorised remand orders connected to its investigation.
In his statement, El-Rufai said the silence of some people he had previously supported had caused him to reflect on their relationships.
“Some have expressed concern at the apparent silence, in my present circumstances, of some of my colleagues, friends and family members whom I have publicly stood by or associated closely with in the past,” he said.
“What I learn in difficult times like the past few months may lead me, quietly and without regret, to reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them.”
He stressed that such reconsideration should not be interpreted as a reproach or condemnation of those involved.
Rather, he said, it was part of an effort to see people and life more clearly.
El-Rufai said he had always sought to support colleagues, friends, family members and causes he believed in, guided by his faith, upbringing, personal values and conscience.
“I have no regrets about standing by people or for causes when I believed it was right to do so, and I bear no resentment towards anyone who chooses not to do the same for me,” he said.
The former governor added that he was not seeking revenge or retribution over what he described as any injustice, ingratitude or injury suffered by him.
“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution. Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter,” he said.
El-Rufai said his immediate priority was to remain at peace with his conscience and his faith.
“In the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and posterity will render whatever verdict it sees fit. My only concern is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah,” he said.
El-Rufai laments silence of friends, ex-colleagues amid his legal, political troubles
