*Says Would Reconsider Certain Relationships
INACERATED former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai, has lamented the silence of some close associates since his ordeal, vowing to reconsider certain relationships.
El-Rufai, in a statement on X, titled, ‘My Relationships and the Aftermath,’ dated September 23, el-Rufai said he had always been guided by his Islamic faith, Arewa upbringing, personal values and conscience; hence his support for people was never based on expectations of praise, gratitude or reciprocity.
He said those were choices he made freely and remained responsible for, noting that his current ordeal has taught him some lessons about life.
The former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is standing trial over alleged money laundering and conversion of public property, and has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, this year, after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
He said “adversity has a way of illuminating relationships” and the silence from those he once helped has elicited concerns, adding: “Some have expressed concern at the apparent silence, in my present circumstances, of some of my colleagues, friends and family members whom I have publicly stood by or associated closely with in the past.
“What I learn in difficult times, like the past few months, may lead me, quietly and without regret, to reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them.”
He said the decision should be seen as neither reproach nor condemnation, but as a way of seeing people and life more clearly, noting that he always tried to support his colleagues, friends, family and others, guided by his faith, upbringing, personal values and conscience.
El-Rufai recalled that he stood by people and causes he believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost, without expecting praise, gratitude or reciprocity, regretting that those he had supported were also free to make their own choices now that circumstances have changed.
He wrote: “I have no regrets about standing by people or for causes when I believed it was right to do so, and I bear no resentment towards anyone who chooses not to do the same for me.
“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution. Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter.
“In the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and posterity will render whatever verdict it sees fit.
“My only concern is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah.”
