- Says ‘Tinubu’s message shamed them into action’
Immediate Past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has expressed gratitude to friends, associates, and well-wishers who celebrated his 65th birthday with goodwill messages.
But in his classic self, he ceased the opportunity to throw jabs at those he claimed were unenthusiastic to recognize his birthday, until President Bola Tinubu’s message seemingly pressured them to change their minds.
The one-time Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) mocked his critics in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, February 24, 2025.
The man, who held sway at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House as Kaduna State Chief Executive from 2015 to 2023, wrote thus; “I want to thank everyone that sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those that didn’t want to until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action.
“May the Almighty God accept our prayers and continue to shower his blessings on us and our people.”
Further expressing gratitude to his well-wishers, el-Rufai said; “It has been about a week since many friends, associates and admirers sent me various messages and prayers in commemoration of my 65th birthday.
“The prayers and good wishes were quite humbling and gratifying, but far too many and overwhelming for individual acknowledgement or response by me, hence this message.”
He said though conscious efforts were made to acknowledge each message, some may still have been missed unintentionally.
Accordingly, he said; “I have tried to repost, retweet and share all the birthday messages I received, but as an imperfect mortal, I am sure I couldn’t have done all. If I didn’t with yours, please forgive me. It is an omission of the head, not of the heart”.
Concluding his post with prayers for continued health, happiness, and prosperity for himself and the nation, the former Governor said; “May Almighty Allah grant us even longer life, in good health, happiness and prosperity, in a Nigeria that flourishes as a beacon of progressive governance, democracy and equal opportunity for all.
“Thank you all, and God Bless”.
A founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), el-Rufai, a recipient of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) national honour, was born on 16th February 1960.
Before serving as the FCT Minister from 2003 to 2007, El-Rufai was the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) from 1999 to 2023.
