“Don’t distract me, I’ve never said I want to be president in 2031,” Ribadu replies El-Rufai
“Stop distracting me, I never said I want to be president in 2031,” Ribadu replies El-Rufai
Published By: Paul Dada
The National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu says he has never told anyone he has a plan to become President in 2031 as alleged by former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir el-Rufai.
Ribadu was reacting to allegation made by El-Rufai, who was guest of Arise TV on Monday evening. The former Kaduna had said Ribadu was no longer his friend. He said the National Security Adviser and President Bola Tinubu did not want him to be a minister in the current administration. El-Rufai also accused Ribadu of having the plans to become the President in 2031 ands so would not want anyone to stand in his way.
But in a statement by Ribadu reacting to the allegations, he said he would not engage in a media fight with El-Rufai as he was too focused on his job.
He said, “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.
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“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.”
