The lawmaker representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has celebrated his parents, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his wife, Asia, as they mark their 27th wedding anniversary.
Mohammed, in a Facebook message on Friday, described his mother as the “glue” of the family, praising her for her compassion, intellect and commitment to helping vulnerable people.
The lawmaker recalled how Asia took him back to Zaria Academy when he was in Junior Secondary School 1, describing her as an avid reader, a brilliant lawyer and a woman whose compassion extended beyond her immediate family.
He said his mother devoted herself to supporting widows and orphans during his father’s tenure as Kaduna State governor.
According to Mohammed, Asia’s influence has continued to shape his values and approach to representing the people of Kaduna North.
“Every good thing we continue to do for Kaduna North is due to the teachings and knowledge she has imparted in me since I was 11 years old. Every bad thing is my fault,” he wrote.
Reflecting on his parents’ marriage, the lawmaker said he had witnessed his mother’s unwavering support for his father through different seasons of his life.
He said her strength and presence had remained a source of comfort to the family, particularly during his father’s legal troubles.
Nasir El-Rufai was detained by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission earlier this year over allegations of financial misconduct. He has denied wrongdoing and has challenged aspects of his detention and the investigations through his lawyers.
The former governor was temporarily released from ICPC custody in March following the death of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, to enable him to attend her funeral rites.
For Mohammed, the 27th anniversary offered an opportunity to look beyond the political controversies surrounding his father and celebrate the personal journey of his parents.
“Twenty-seven years is a significant milestone, and today is a moment to appreciate the journey, the memories and the many lives touched along the way,” he said.
He prayed for continued blessings, good health, peace and many more years of happiness for the couple.
Mohammed also appealed to residents of Kaduna North to pray for his parents.
“I plead with the good people of Kaduna North to pray for both of them,” he said.
The lawmaker ended his message by praying that Allah would reward his parents for the love, kindness and service they have shown to others and grant them more years of grace, happiness and cherished memories.
The El-Rufai family has remained influential in Kaduna’s political landscape, with Mohammed now representing Kaduna North in the House of Representatives.
But in his anniversary tribute, the younger El-Rufai focused on the family bond, crediting his mother’s guidance and his parents’ partnership with helping shape the man and public representative he has become.
