The family of Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, the troubled former governor of Kaduna State, has rejected claims that El-Rufai was forgotten at his time of need by Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, the emir of Kano.
Asia Mohammed Ahmad, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai’s wife, responded to an article titled “Sanusi and the Betrayal of El-Rufai” in Professor Farooq Kperogi’s column in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution by saying the Emir had always supported them.
In response to the analysis, Asia Mohammed Ahmad stated on her Facebook page that Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II was still their father and that they always respected him.
“I want to make it clear that Mallam’s post has nothing to do with HRH SLS and that HH is with us. Please stop making references to things you don’t know!”
“I am glad to note that Kperogi mentioned that there may be things people don’t know,” she continued.
In support of his mother, Bello El-Rufai said, “indeed Emir Muhammadu Sanusi, remains our Father and he truly stands with Us.”
Many commenters on El-Rufai’s wife Asia Mohammed Ahmad’s Facebook post stated that Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, had little to do with Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai’s ongoing trial.
Mallam Muhammad Bello, one of the critics, called Kperogi’s post “simply goofing,” contending that an Emir or other traditional title holder had no bearing on a situation like El-Rufai’s.
He added, “I don’t see how the Emir of Kano will interfere in the El-Rufai case because Muhammad Sanusi II, like other Emirs, is controlled by the governor.”