‘So he’s no more your mentor?’ – Nigerians react to Gov Sani’s message to El-Rufai

The birthday message of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani to his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians, particularly on social media.

Governor Sani, who was once a close ally of El-Rufai, recently distanced himself from the former governor, accusing him of leaving the state with a massive debt burden. Despite their apparent fallout, Sani on Sunday extended a birthday message to El-Rufai, referring to him as a “dear friend” and offering prayers for his well-being.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to my dear brother, friend, and predecessor, His Excellency, Malam Nasir @elrufai CON, on the occasion of his 65th birthday. I pray the Almighty Allah to continue to guide, protect, and strengthen His Excellency,” Sani wrote on his verified X handle.

The message quickly ignited reactions, with many questioning the governor’s stance on his former political mentor.
“So he’s not your mentor anymore? Politics, why na?” X user Ahmad Abdullah commented. Another user, Yusuf Isa, echoed the sentiment, writing, “So he is no more your boss and mentor?!”

Others interpreted Sani’s message differently. Mohammed Umar suggested the governor’s words might be strategic, saying, “They say when your enemy is confused, he can use his mouth to pray for you to defeat him. Anyways, amen for the good prayers to Mallam.”

Some, however, called for reconciliation, including X user Victor Abisoye, who urged the governor to extend an olive branch by intervening in the legal troubles of El-Rufai’s former appointees.

“Now let’s make peace, not war. As a show of good faith, please release the Chief of Staff and Jimi Lawal on bail, sir. Let the rebuilding process begin. Politics is never a fight to the finish,” he wrote.

However, a section of social media users commended Governor Sani, describing his message as an example of “politics without bitterness.”