I’m returning to see my family – el-Rufai

When he was asked why he had to publicize his arrival to the BBC if the reason for his visit is personal, he added that, “The secondary reason is contributing to Nigeria’s progress.” El-Rufa’i was one of Nigeria’s most powerful ministers during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo and was wanted by the EFCC to […]

When he was asked why he had to publicize his arrival to the BBC if the reason for his visit is personal, he added that, “The secondary reason is contributing to Nigeria’s progress.” El-Rufa’i was one of Nigeria’s most powerful ministers during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo and was wanted by the EFCC to explain corruption charges against him while he was in office. “All the allegations are false,” he told the BBC, “because they have not built any case against them.”

El-Rufai went into exile just when it was apparent the EFCC was going to arrest him to face the charges against him. While away, he alleged that there are political motives to his ordeal with the anti-corruption agency. He has been critical of the Umaru Yar’adua administration while saying good things about the current one helmed by Goodluck Jonathan, prompting speculations that his return under a favourable government is to pave way for him to play an active role in the politics of the country.

He said about his political ambition: “It is not impossible. There are all kinds of speculations about what am going to do…I’m going to be in politics.” It is not clear what kind of reception awaits the former minister as he arrives the country since the EFCC has declared him a fugitive from the law. “When I go home I could be arrested. Anything could happen,” he said.