The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai has accused National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of scheming towards replacing President Bola Tinubu in 2031 by eliminating any perceived threat.
During an Arise News interview with Charles Aniagolu, el-Rufai accused Ribadu of masterminding the corruption allegation levelled against him by the Kaduna government.
The former Kaduna Governor accused his successor, Uba Sani, of working with Ribadu to destroy his image to pave away for Ribadu’s presidential project.
El-Rufai also addressed the claim that he was dropped from Tinubu’s cabinet pick because of a security report.
He said that’s a lie, accusing Tinubu of giving the order for his rejection.
He said: “What is the security issue? Where is the report? Has anyone released the report? There were other nominees with controversial issues that were cleared because the president made the call. The president simply changed his mind,” el-Rufai said.
Meanwhile the NSA has responded to El-Rufai’s claim emphasizing that he would not want to join issues with him.
The statement obtained by Theliberationnews read:
“My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State Monday evening.
“If my silence wouldn't risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too preoccupied with my current assignment as to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.
“Despite the incessant baiting and attacks I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere. This is out of respect for our past association and our respective families. I will not start today.
“I however urge the public to disregard El-rufai's statements against me.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put it on record that I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody. All my focus and energy are geared completely towards the advancement of Nigeria and the success of the President Tinubu administration.
“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs.“
