Ribadu: “I Won’t Join Issues with Nasir El-Rufai”

By Emmanuel Kwada

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has firmly distanced himself from a brewing war of words with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, following provocative remarks made by the latter in a Monday evening interview. In a rare public statement, Ribadu dismissed El-Rufai’s comments as distractions, urging Nigerians to pay them no mind while reaffirming his commitment to his national duties under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Ribadu, visibly restrained yet resolute, addressed the situation with a measured tone. “My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai,” he began. “If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too preoccupied with my current assignment to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.”

The NSA emphasized that he has refrained from speaking ill of El-Rufai in the past, citing mutual respect rooted in their shared history and familial ties. “Despite the incessant baiting and attacks, I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere,” Ribadu said. “This is out of respect for our past association and our respective families. I will not start today.”

If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him

El-Rufai’s interview, which has sparked widespread speculation, reportedly contained pointed remarks aimed at Ribadu, though the specifics remain unclear. Ribadu, however, chose not to engage directly with the allegations. Instead, he called on the public to “disregard El-Rufai’s statements against me,” framing them as irrelevant to his mission.

Addressing a particularly charged claim, Ribadu categorically denied any political maneuvering for the 2031 presidential race. “For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put it on record that I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody,” he stated firmly. “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

In closing, Ribadu issued a subtle but pointed plea to his former ally: “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.” The statement underscores Ribadu’s intent to rise above the fray and maintain focus on his role as NSA amid Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.

The exchange marks a rare public rift between two prominent northern figures who once shared a cordial relationship. Political analysts suggest that El-Rufai’s comments may reflect lingering tensions from their respective tenures and differing visions for Nigeria’s future. For now, Ribadu appears determined to keep his eyes on the nation’s security horizon, leaving the verbal volleys unanswered.