Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on his birthday, describing him as a man of courage, intellect and uncommon wisdom.
Atiku, in a goodwill message posted on his official X account on Monday, commended El-Rufai’s leadership qualities and achievements, despite what he described as political distractions surrounding the former governor.
“Happy Birthday to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. A man of intellect, courage, and uncommon sagacity,” Atiku wrote.
The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party also said El-Rufai’s record of service remains evident in spite of the controversies he is currently facing.
“Even amid the present political persecution and needless distractions, his record of service and clarity of thought and purpose remain undeniable,” he added.
Atiku further wished El-Rufai peace, strength and divine guidance in the coming years.
“I wish him strength, peace, and Allah’s guidance in the years ahead,” he said.
El-Rufai has recently been in the spotlight following reports of an attempted arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as well as invitations extended to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The former governor, who returned from Egypt on Thursday, has also raised allegations against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, demanding clarification over an alleged plan to procure thallium sulphate from Poland.
In a letter addressed to Ribadu on Sunday, El-Rufai described the substance as highly dangerous and strictly regulated, stressing the need for transparency. He listed six areas where he sought explanations, including the purpose of the importation, the identity of the supplier, authorisation procedures, quantity and concentration, storage plans, and regulatory oversight involving agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
El-Rufai said his request was made in good faith, noting that openness would strengthen public confidence in public institutions. He added that copies of the letter were forwarded to other relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Office of the National Security Adviser has asked El-Rufai to submit evidence of the alleged procurement of the substance to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
Advertisement
