𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤: 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐔𝐛𝐚 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐥-𝐑𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐢 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫.

On February 16, 2022, then as Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, clocked 62 years. Uba Sani, the current governor, who at that time was the Senator representing Kaduna Central, paid a glowing tribute to El-Rufai on his birthday anniversary.

He described El-Rufai as a “boss, mentor, friend and dependable political ally.”

Sani was appointed by El-Rufai during his first time as the Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs. Riding on El-Rufai’s influence, he was elected Senator representing Kaduna central in 2019.

However, both political leaders fell out shortly after the election, possibly due to their political differences.

On Sunday, Sani has listed President Bola Tinubu and the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, among his political mentors.

He spoke while responding to questions during an interview on TVC.

El-Rufai had described Sani as one of his mentees.

“Yes, Uba Sani is one of my mentees. I developed many of them. My biggest pride in life is that I’ve elevated many people.

“I’ve encouraged and mentored many people to greatness. Some even greater than me, and I’m very proud of it,” the former governor said during an on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

But speaking during the TVC interview, Sani skipped El-Rufai when asked about his mentors.

“I’m a bit curious. You spoke about your article and mentioned Chief Gani Fawehinmi as your leader. However, former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in an interview described you as his mentee, suggesting you are under his political tutelage.

“Now you’re saying Gani Fawehinmi is your leader, so I’m just trying to reconcile the two,” the host, Femi Akande, asked.

Responding, the governor said his focus was on delivering good governance in Kaduna rather than responding to insinuations about political mentorship.

“I don’t think it is necessary to respond to that comment. I have worked with a lot of people in my life. Even President Bola Tinubu — I met him in 1994 at the house of Beko Ransome-Kuti. I still regard him as my leader.

“Chief Gani Fawehinmi is a leader and father to me, because during the era of struggle, I lived and stayed in his house. My focus is Kaduna. I don’t talk about individuals; I don’t get distracted, my eyes are on the ball.”

Amid the controversy, Sani’s old post resurfaced online wherein he expressly described El-Rufai as his mentor.

The post on his verified facebook page with the title “GOVERNOR EL-RUFAI AT 62: SALUTE TO A TRAILBLAZER,” reads “Special salute to my dear boss, mentor, friend and dependable political ally on the auspicious occasion of his 62nd birthday, Governor Nasir El-Rufai is indeed a special gift to Kaduna State and Nigeria; innovative, creative, resourceful, energetic, dynamic, committed and progressive.”

Interestingly, Daily Trust observed that Sani, on February 16 this year while felicitating with his predecessor on his 65th birthday anniversary, failed to call El-Rufai his mentor.

He described him as a brother and friend.

The governor wrote, “I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to my dear brother, friend and predecessor, His Excellency Malam Nasir El-Rufai CON, on the occasion of his 65th birthday. I pray the Almighty Allah to continue to guide, protect and strengthen His Excellency.”