The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that he planning to tarnish his reputation because of his 2031 presidential ambition.
El-Rufai, in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, accused Ribadu of collaborating with Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, to destroy him image.
But in a statement he issued, Ribadu said he won’t join issues with El-Rufai because he is too preoccupied with his current assignment as NSA.
Read Ribadu’s statement titled ‘I WON’T JOIN ISSUES WITH NASIR EL-RUFAI’ below:
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.
Nuhu Ribadu
