Why many people think I made serious mistake – El-Rufai

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that many people criticized him for choosing to speak openly about his time in office, with some insisting he had made a serious mistake.

Speaking at the launch of “OPL 245: Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block,” a memoir by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, El-Rufai addressed the gathering in Abuja on Thursday. His remarks were reported by TheCable.

The ex-governor also disclosed plans to publish a follow-up memoir detailing further aspects of his career in public service, emphasizing that he has no regrets about his time in government.

Recalling his earlier book “The Accidental Public Servant” released over a decade ago, El-Rufai said it aimed to present a truthful narrative of his time in office, despite widespread discouragement.

“About 12 years ago, I presented The Accidental Public Servant, which was a record of my experience in public service. It showed how friends abandon you, betray you, and how those you’ve helped can turn against you,” he said.

“They said I had made a mistake and would never be allowed near the government again. But I chose a different path. In Nigeria, they expect you to keep quiet after office. I refused to do that.”

El-Rufai, who previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Olusegun Obasanjo before becoming governor, said he remains confident in the decisions he made while in public office.

“I don’t believe I have anything to hide. I still don’t. And I know Bello Adoke has nothing to hide either,” he said.

He commended Adoke for using his book to explain his side of the story in relation to the controversial OPL 245 oil deal. Adoke was exonerated of any wrongdoing by courts in Nigeria, Italy, and the UK.

“You can write a book like that and hold your head high, knowing you did nothing wrong. I urge those in power today to remember that your turn will come,” El-Rufai added.

He said his forthcoming memoir would delve deeper into the philosophies and choices that guided his leadership, encouraging other public figures to document their journeys for future generations and greater transparency.