Achile Danjuma
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, has extended a condolence message to former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
In a statement released on Saturday, Ribadu expressed profound sadness over the loss, describing the deceased as the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. He noted that he had fond memories of her motherly care.
The condolence comes against the backdrop of a contentious political rift between the two men. Ribadu is currently facing sharp criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups who accuse him of orchestrating the ongoing detention of El-Rufai by the State Security Service (SSS). As of the time of this report, El-Rufai remains in detention, with his lawyers and family demanding his immediate release.
Despite the political tensions and the unresolved legal status of the ex-governor, Ribadu’s statement focused entirely on the loss suffered by the family.
Below is the full text of Ribadu’s statement:
“Inna lilLahi wa inna illahir raji‘un.
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, the matriarch of the El-Rufai family. I have fond memories of shared moments with her and her motherly care. At a time like this, words can offer little comfort for such a profound loss. My heartfelt condolences to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and the entire family. May Almighty Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and give the family the strength to bear this loss.”