David Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi state, says Nasir
el-Rufai, the immediate past governor of Kaduna, will play a major role in
President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Umahi spoke on Friday during an interview on Arise
Television.

The former governor was asked if Tinubu will distance himself
from el-Rufai who was seen on video boasting about Muslims leading the affairs
of the country.

Responding, Umahi, who is senator-elect of the All
Progressives Congress (APC), said Tinubu will not distance himself from people
who worked for his victory during the election.

“Mr President has not distanced himself from individuals
that worked for him. All these people that worked for him, they have direct
access to Mr President,” Umahi said.

“There is no time I go to the villa that I don’t see these
individuals. The president has in his heart the federal character of the nation
and I believe strongly that he is a man that rewards faithfulness, he is a man
that rewards diligence, he is a man that rewards honesty.

 “So be assured that
Mr President is not going to leave out people like el-Rufai and the rest of us
that worked very hard for him.

“You can see his track records. He doesn’t betray anybody.
So be very much assured that my good friend el-Rufai is going to play a major
role.

“I’m not speaking for Mr President, but I’m speaking bearing
in mind the character of him I know too well.”