Buhari, Tinubu, Fashola, Aliyu, others hail el-Rufai at book launch

Former Federal Capital Teritory Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai yesterday wept at the public presentation of his book, “The Accidental Public Servant”.

He said he was overwhelmed at the outpouring of encomiums on him by the various speakers.

“I don’t know what to say because I have written a book in which I said all I wanted to say,” el-Rufai said before his voice was drowned in emotion.

Former Lagos State Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended the author.

Tinubu, who was represented by the National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said men like el’Rufai are needed to drive the development of the nation at this time.

He said: “For every accident in life, one must pause to appraise the situation. Many talk about their accident in life but very few dear document it and share it in such a bold, blunt and daring manner like el’Rufai has done in this book.”

Former Head of State General Muhammadu Buhari said it was time for the government to dedicate a greater percentage of its budget to education if the nation must develop.

Buhari said: “When I said at a lecture that the late Sarduana was spending 43 per cent of the northern budget on education, El’ Rufai corrected me that it was 46 per cent.

“The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was spending more that 55 per cent. You can’t go wrong. All we get now is only two or five per cent on education and the rest on security.

Chief Presenter of the book and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola noted that the event was significant as it was at the instance of a former public official who no longer has favours to dispense.

Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Sanusi Lamido Sanusi said the book captures the issue of values and efficiency in public service.

The Book Reviewer, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, said el’Rufai had transited from a political activist to a statesman.

He said: “He cares more about what happens in the country. The content of the book is not something that can be said by someone whose objective is to return to power.

“It is a book that talks about serving under three masters – Abdusalami, Obasanjo and Yar’Adua.

“We are the same anywhere in Nigeria, East, West, North and South. Impunity is the biggest national problem and not insecurity.

In attendance were: Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi represented by his Deputy, Tele Ikuru, Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, former Chief Justice of the Federation, Mohammed Uwais, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Prince Tony Momoh, Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Almakura, Niger State Governor, Muazu Aliyu Babangida, Senator Chris Ngige and Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.