The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has reacted to the accusation of the former Kaduna Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, that he was planning to tarnish his reputation because of his 2031 Presidential ambition.
el-Rufai had, in an interview with Arise TV, on Monday evening, accused Ribadu of orchestrating a smear campaign against him, citing the NSA’s ambition to contest the 2031 presidential election.
The former governor alleged that Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was collaborating with Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to damage his reputation.
el-Rufai said: “This project of destroy Nasir El-Rufai is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is the one working with Uba Sani to implement it. So far, it has been frustrating for them.
“Somebody wants to destroy my reputation. Why? Nuhu Ribadu wants to be president in 2031. He has to eliminate every northerner that he thinks is on the radar.”
Reacting in a statement on Monday, Ribadu urged Nigerians to disregard el-Rufai’s claims, saying he had never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody.
The former EFCC boss stated: “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.
“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.”
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