Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser to President Bola Tinubu has out-rightly denied allegations leveled against him by the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-rufai.
DAILY POST recalls that the former governor, who was interviewed on Arise TV on Monday, alleged that the NSA was behind a plot to tarnish his reputation.
According to El-rufai, Ribadu is nursing presidential ambition to succeed President Tinubu in 2031, stressing that the decision of the NSA is to eliminate any potential competition from the North.
However, clearing the air, Ribadu in a statement he issued on Monday night, denied the claims.
The NSA, who noted that he wouldn’t want to join issues with the former governor, urged the general public to disregard El-rufai’s comments.
The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to the interview granted by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna State Monday evening.
“If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him.
“I am too preoccupied with my current assignment as to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else.
“Despite the incessant baiting and attacks I have never spoken ill of Nasir on record anywhere. This is out of respect for our past association and our respective families. I will not start today.
“I however urge the public to disregard El-rufai’s statements against me.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put it on record that I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody.
“All my focus and energy are geared completely towards the advancement of Nigeria and the success of the President Tinubu administration.
“I therefore ask Nasir El-Rufai to allow me face my onerous national assignment just as I do not bother myself with his own affairs”.
Nuhu Ribadu counters El-rufai’s claims, denies 2031 presidential ambition
