Atiku, Malami, others visit El-Rufai, hail his strength after mother’s death

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has described former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as steadfast and resilient despite the recent loss of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.

Atiku made the remark on Saturday after leading a delegation on a condolence visit to El-Rufai at his Abuja residence, following the passing of the family matriarch in Cairo, Egypt.

According to him, the visit was aimed at standing in solidarity with the former governor and his family during what he described as a painful and irreplaceable loss.

“I share with Mallam the deep pain of this loss, and we prayed for the repose of the soul of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai,” Atiku stated.

He noted that he was encouraged by El-Rufai’s composure in the face of grief, adding that the former governor remained strong in faith and unshaken in spirit.

“I was pleased to observe that Mallam remains strong in faith, his spirit unbroken, and he is not downcast. I encouraged him to remain steadfast, for this too shall pass,” he added.

In a separate visit, former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, also extended his condolences, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for the bereaved family.

Other prominent figures, including former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, were reported to have either visited or reached out to El-Rufai in solidarity.

The condolence visits come shortly after El-Rufai’s temporary release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), granted on compassionate grounds to enable him attend his mother’s burial.

El-Rufai had been in detention since February 18 over allegations bordering on financial misconduct and related offences. He is also facing a separate case instituted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged unlawful interception of communications involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 23 for his arraignment in the matter.

Meanwhile, family members, friends, and associates continue to mourn Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, offering prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul.