El-Rufai will play major role in Tinubu’s government, says Umahi

David Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi state, says Nasir el-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna, will play a major role in President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Umahi spoke on Friday during an interview on Arise Television.

The former governor was asked if Tinubu will distance himself from el-Rufai who was seen on video boasting about Muslims leading the affairs of the country.

Responding, Umahi, who is senator-elect of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said Tinubu will not distance himself from people who worked for his victory during the election.

He said el-Rufai will play “a major role” in Tinubu’s administration because Tinubu rewards loyalty.

“Mr President has not distanced himself from individuals that worked for him. All these people that worked for him, they have direct access to Mr President,” Umahi said.

“There is no time I go to the villa that I don’t see these individuals. The president has in his heart the federal character of the nation and I believe strongly that he is a man that rewards faithfulness, he is a man that rewards diligence, he is a man that rewards honesty. 

“So be assured that Mr President is not going to leave out people like el-Rufai and the rest of us that worked very hard for him.

“You can see his track records. He doesn’t betray anybody. So be very much assured that my good friend el-Rufai is going to play a major role.

“I’m not speaking for Mr President, but I’m speaking bearing in mind the character of him I know too well.”