Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has spoken about the silence of some of his former colleagues, friends and associates as he faces a series of legal and political challenges.
In a statement titled “My Relationships and the Aftermath”, dated 23 September, Mr El-Rufai said some people who had previously benefited from his support had chosen to remain silent over his current circumstances.
He said he had stood by people and causes he believed in, sometimes at considerable personal cost, but insisted that he had never expected praise, gratitude or reciprocity in return.
“I did so not in expectation of praise, gratitude or reciprocity, but because I believed it was right,” he said.
The former governor acknowledged that some of those he had supported might now choose to speak out, remain silent, distance themselves from him or even deny their previous relationships.
However, he said he did not wish to judge them for making different choices.
Mr El-Rufai said his recent experiences had taught him that difficult circumstances could reveal the nature of relationships.
“Adversity has a way of illuminating relationships,” he said, adding that the experience might lead him to quietly reconsider some relationships.
He stressed that such reassessment should not be interpreted as condemnation or reproach, saying he had “no regrets” about supporting people when he believed it was the right thing to do.
The former governor also rejected calls for revenge, saying he would leave questions of injustice or ingratitude to Allah.
“Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter.”
His comments come as he continues to face legal proceedings.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is due to rule on 26 October on his no-case submission in a case brought by the Department of State Services over alleged interception of telephone communications involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. El-Rufai has pleaded not guilty.
He is also pursuing a separate N1bn fundamental-rights suit against the ICPC, Inspector-General of Police and Attorney-General of the Federation over the search of his Abuja residence. The case has been adjourned to 27 October.
Despite the political and legal difficulties, Mr El-Rufai said his priority remained staying true to his principles and maintaining peace with his conscience and with Allah.
He concluded that every individual would ultimately have to live with the choices they make, while history would judge those choices in its own time.
