The Crocodile Tears Of El-Rufai: A Lesson In Power And Humility

PIUS ADE BABALEYE (PAB)

In recent times, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has been making waves with his television interviews, expressing his grievances and disappointment over not being appointed as a minister in President Tinubu’s administration. His outbursts however, reveal more than just political dissatisfaction; they expose the bitter reality of Nigerian politics—where service is often not about the people, but about personal gains.

If El-Rufai’s true intention was to serve, why then is he so embittered? Genuine service to the people should not be tied to a ministerial appointment. Leadership is a privilege, not a birthright, and losing out on a position should not translate into public lamentation. His reaction mirrors the frustrations of millions of unemployed graduates in Nigeria who, despite their qualifications and competence, remain jobless without a platform to air their grievances on national television. Perhaps, this experience will give him a taste of what ordinary Nigerians go through.

I once held great respect for El-Rufai, not because of his political affiliation with the APC, but because I saw him as an intelligent and strategic leader. However, his recent behaviour has been nothing short of disappointing. A true leader does not complain incessantly about lost opportunities; rather, he moves forward with dignity, understanding that what will be, will be. This series of outbursts will undoubtedly make people rethink their trust and closeness to him. A man of his stature should not be this talkative—great leaders understand the power of measured silence.

One cannot ignore the tendency of some smaller-bodied individuals to seek validation by constantly proving their intelligence. They often try to assert themselves beyond their physical frame, believing they can outmaneuver everyone. But in doing so, they sometimes reveal their own limitations. El-Rufai’s reaction to his political misfortune only reinforces the fact that power is fleeting, and no one remains in favor forever.

Dear Mallam, there is no need for these crocodile tears. Power ultimately belongs to Allah, and He bestows it upon whomever He wills. No man can hold on to power indefinitely, and every political journey comes with its share of victories and defeats. Rather than lamenting, it would be wiser to accept this phase with grace and humility. You win some, you lose some—that is the reality of life.

Alinnor Arinze