Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to friends, associates, and well-wishers who celebrated his 65th birthday.
However, he couldn’t resist taking a subtle dig at those he claimed initially refrained from acknowledging his milestone until President Bola Tinubu’s birthday message prompted them to do so.
In a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, El-Rufai thanked those who sent him birthday prayers and well-wishes, while poking fun at his critics.
He remarked, “I want to thank everyone that sent me their prayers and best wishes, including those that didn’t want to until President Tinubu’s message shamed them into action.”
He continued, “May the Almighty God accept our prayers and continue to shower his blessings on us and our people.”
Reflecting on the outpouring of support, El-Rufai noted that the messages were “humbling and gratifying” but that it would have been impossible to individually acknowledge each one.
“It has been about a week since many friends, associates and admirers sent me various messages and prayers in commemoration of my 65th birthday. The prayers and good wishes were quite humbling and gratifying, but far too many and overwhelming for individual acknowledgement or response by me, hence this message,” he explained.
Acknowledging the sheer volume of birthday messages, the former governor confessed that he may have unintentionally missed a few.
“I have tried to repost, retweet and share all the birthday messages I received, but as an imperfect mortal, I am sure I couldn’t have done all. If I didn’t with yours, please forgive me. It is an omission of the head, not of the heart,” he said.
El-Rufai concluded his statement with prayers for his continued health, happiness, and for the prosperity of the nation.
“May Almighty Allah grant us even longer life, in good health, happiness and prosperity, in a Nigeria that flourishes as a beacon of progressive governance, democracy and equal opportunity for all. Thank you all, and God Bless,” he said.
The statement, while expressing gratitude, also offered a glimpse into the former governor’s characteristic wit, as he continues to engage with both his supporters and critics.
