Drama as El-Rufai’s family rejects Kaduna Gov’s condolence messages
El-Rufai and mother
IDIBIA GABRIEL, KADUNA
Former Governor of Kaduna State Nasir El-Rufai’s senior son, Bashir El-Rufai, has openly rejected a condolence message issued by current Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, saying they don’t want his sympathy.
Governor Uba Sani’s condolence message followed the death of El-Rufai’s grandmother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai on Friday in outside Nigeria.
Kaduna Governor had earlier expressed sympathy to the El-Rufai and his family over the loss, describing the late matriarch as a woman known for compassion and strong moral values.
In a condolence statement, the governor said the deceased lived a life of humility and service to her community.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the entire El-Rufai family on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai,” Sani said.
He further paid tribute to her character and influence within her community.
Sani stated, “Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was not only a devoted mother and matriarch, but also a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength.
“She lived a life defined by compassion, humility, and steadfast service… In her community, she was a steady source of counsel and reconciliation.”
The governor also prayed for the repose of her soul and strength for the bereaved family.
“I stand in solemn solidarity with the El-Rufai family, praying that Almighty Allah will forgive her shortcomings, accept her righteous deeds, and grant her eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus,” he added.
Reacting to the message, Bashir El-Rufai rejected the condolences in a brief post on social media.
“Bama so,” he wrote, a Hausa phrase which translates to “we don’t want.”
Meanwhile, Nasir El-Rufai who had been in anti-graft Agency custody following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, has been granted temporary bill due to the death of his mother.
The former governor is facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conversion of public property and money laundering.
El-Rufai and his successor Governor Uba Sani had been at loggerhead shortly after 2023 election following what many described as broken down of
Godfatherism as well as the State Assembly financial Probe on tenure of the former.
Although Bashir rejection of Governor Uba Sani condolence action has been described as unislamic by many who spoke to our correspondent in confidence.
