Photo Credit: @RakaFatima on X
By Danlami Nmodu
The saying that blessed are the peacemakers came under intense scrutiny on Sunday as videos emerged of former Minister Isa Ali Pantami’s effort “reconciling” Governor Uba Sani with Malam Nasir El-Rufai during the funeral of the latter’s mother. The videos showed Pantami engineering the handshake between the two.
This triggered various reactions from supporters and critics as monitored on social media.Some thought, it was all right, while others felt the timing was wrong and unfair.
That was the climax of a day of high drama where photos and videos posted online showed traditional rulers, serving and former state governors, ex ministers and former vice president Atiku Abubakar among others, present at the National Mosque venue of the funeral prayer for El-Rufai’s mother.
The presence in the front row of two key personalities: the National Security Adviser, NSA Nuhu Ribadu and incumbent Governor of Kaduna State , Malam Uba Sani, hitherto viewed as estranged friends of El-Rufai attracted a lot of attention on and offline.
It appeared that Mama’s death brought peace among the embattled friends, or so it seemed. Next was Pantami’s reconciliation efforts, which have been trailed by raised eyebrows.
Recall that El-Rufai’s mother died while his son was detained by ICPC.The former governor who was dragged before a court in Kaduna earlier in the week over alleged corruption charges was eventually released reportedly to ensure the burial of his mother.
His home has become a Mecca of some sorts for political heavyweights like Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Aminu Tambuwal, even the incumbent APC Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, among others.
The next twist in the unfolding el-Rufai saga remains to be seen.