Group Praises FG For Allowing El-Rufai Mourn Mother

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals have commended the federal government and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for granting former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, the opportunity to mourn and bury his late mother.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, by its chairman, Isaac Abrak, the group described the decision as a humane gesture that reflects the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, noting that governance should be guided by compassion, empathy, and respect for human dignity.

The group said the move was particularly significant given the known political differences between Tinubu and El-Rufai, adding that it underscores the President’s belief in politics without bitterness, where humanity takes precedence over political divides.

“This humane decision strongly reflects the leadership disposition of President Tinubu, whose administration continues to demonstrate that governance must be guided by compassion, empathy, and respect for human dignity,” the statement said.

The organisation contrasted the development with past experiences in Nigeria’s political history, recalling that former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, was reportedly not allowed to attend his mother’s burial while in detention following the 1985 change of government under Ibrahim Babangida.

According to the group, the incident at the time raised concerns among Nigerians, who viewed it as reflective of a more rigid leadership approach with limited emphasis on compassion.

The Northern Christian Youth Professionals noted that President Tinubu, through the recent gesture, has set a commendable standard by demonstrating that leadership is not only about authority but also about empathy and understanding.

It added that the President has reinforced the principle that leadership can be exercised with grace, humanity, and without bitterness.

The group further stated that the example should be emulated by leaders and institutions across the country, stressing that compassion and justice can coexist.

It also emphasised that legal and investigative processes should continue after the burial, ensuring that due process is followed without compromising humane considerations.

“While we commend this compassionate decision, it is also important that all legal processes continue appropriately after the burial, so that justice is served,” the statement added.