El-Rufai Claims Tinubu's Message Sparks Action Against Detractors

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has thanked his friends, colleagues, and well-wishers for joining him in celebrating his 65th birthday.

He did not, however, pass up the chance to make fun of people he said were unwilling to celebrate his birthday until President Bola Tinubu's message forced them to.

"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," El-Rufai said in a statement posted on his X handle on Monday, a jab at his critics.

"May our prayers be answered and may the Almighty God continue to bless us and our people."

"It has been about a week since many friends, associates, and admirers sent me various messages and prayers in commemoration of my 65th birthday," he said in an expression of gratitude.

"The well wishes and prayers were very heartfelt and encouraging, but they were too numerous and overwhelming for me to personally acknowledge or respond to, which is why I'm sending this message."

He said that he made an attempt to respond to every message, though he acknowledged that he might have inadvertently overlooked some.

"As a flawed mortal, I'm sure I couldn't have shared, retweeted, or reposted every birthday greeting I got, but I've tried. I apologize if I didn't use yours. He begged, "It is an omission of the head, not of the heart."

He prayed for his own and the country's continuing health, happiness, and success as he wrapped up his remarks.

In a Nigeria that thrives as a shining example of democratic administration, equitable opportunity for everyone, and good health, may Almighty Allah grant us even more life, pleasure, and wealth. God bless you everybody, and thank you," he said.