President Bola Tinubu has showered praises on Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai despite their apparent political rift.
In a statement issued on Sunday, President Tinubu called El-Rufai who clocked 65 today a scholar, and a top administrator.
The president also noted that El-Rufai remains a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and he is highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance.
Tinubu recalled that El-Rufai served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, and prior to elective office, he had served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007.
President Tinubu further celebrated Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commended his endeavours for democracy.
The president also commended “his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation.”
The President acknowledged Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.
President Tinubu concluded by wishing El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.
Present Tinubu sent the goodwill message despite the criticism of his government and party by El-Rufai.
Recently, El-Rufai described the state of governance and opposition in the country as a “national emergency.”
He averred that there is no longer internal democracy and active party structure in APC, lamented that he no longer recognise the APC.
“I no longer recognize the APC. No party organ has met in two years—no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show,” El-Rufai stated.
However, the ex-governor’s criticism of the presidency and the ruling APC is believed to be a fallout of his failed ministerial nomination.
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