Power is transient, El-Rufai tells leaders while defending Adoke’s legacy at memoir launch and urges justice, integrity and humility in public service
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, has warned political leaders to remember that power is transient, stressing the need for justice and humility while in public office.
Also read: Ndume Criticises El-Rufai Tinubu Rift, Warns of Possible APC Exit
He gave the advice in Abuja on Thursday during the public unveiling of OPL 245: The Inside Story of the $1.3 Billion Nigerian Oil Block, a memoir written by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke.
El-Rufai argued that Adoke should be honoured, not hounded, for his contributions to democracy in Nigeria, especially for his role in ensuring a peaceful transition after the 2015 presidential election.
“Everyone knows that Mohammed Bello Adoke was one of those that stood and persuaded President Jonathan to actually concede the 2015 elections,” El-Rufai said.
He added, “So, we should actually thank him as the APC government of 2015, not persecute him.”
The former governor reflected on his own challenges during and after public service, recalling betrayals and abandonment by close allies.
He had once documented these experiences in his 2013 memoir, The Accidental Public Servant.
“About 12 years ago in this hall, I presented The Accidental Public Servant, which was a record of my experience in public service at the time, which showed how friends abandon you, betray you, and how those that you’ve been good to turn around against you,” he said.
He acknowledged that many had advised him to quit politics altogether, warning him that principled people rarely last in Nigerian governance without compromise.
“And everyone told me I made a mistake, that I will never go near public service again. Because in Nigeria, when you are in government, you eat, you keep quiet, and you come back, and you remain silent.”
El-Rufai maintained his stance that he has no reason to hide from public scrutiny and that the same should be said for Adoke.
“I don’t think I had anything to hide in public service, yes. I still don’t,” he asserted.
“And I know Bello Adoke has nothing to hide. So, you can write a book like that and hold your head high, because you know you did nothing wrong while holding public office.”
Also read: El-Rufai Criticises Tinubu Cabinet Over Poor Quality
He closed his remarks with a reminder to current officeholders: power is transient and should be exercised with integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.
