By Abu Adamu
Despite being locked in a bitter and escalating feud, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Friday night extended condolences to former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
The passing of the family matriarch was announced by her grandson, Bello El-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Family sources said Hajiya Umma had been battling age-related health challenges, which worsened in recent weeks. Her condition was also said to have deteriorated after learning of her son’s detention by anti-graft agencies, including the ICPC.
Despite the strained relationship between both men, Ribadu took to social media to express condolences, describing the late matriarch as a warm and caring figure, and praying for her eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
However, Ribadu’s message comes against the backdrop of a deepening feud widely believed to have pitched him directly against El-Rufai.
Political observers say the two power brokers are now at daggers drawn, with some alleging that Ribadu is behind the former governor’s current travails involving the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the ICPC. Though no official link has been established, the perception has gained traction within opposition circles.
The situation escalated recently when El-Rufai publicly accused Ribadu of importing a tasteless and odourless poison allegedly intended to eliminate perceived opponents of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, an explosive claim still unsupported by evidence.
There are those who believe El-Rufai’s allegations were preemptive, made out of fear that he could be arrested upon his return to Nigeria from Egypt and possibly harmed while in custody.