Top politicians gathered in Abuja on Sunday to pay their last respects to Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, mother of former Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai. The dignitaries included former Vice Presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Obi and Amaechi were among the first to arrive at the burial ceremony, while Tambuwal and other notable figures soon followed. The event was a testament to the high esteem in which Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was held by Nigeria's political elite.
The burial ceremony was a sombre occasion, with the dignitaries paying their respects to the deceased matriarch.
The presence of top politicians at Hajiya Umma El-Rufai's burial highlights the close ties that exist between Nigeria's ruling elite, despite their differences. The fact that former Vice Presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who have been at odds in the past, were both in attendance, underscores the respect that is accorded to the El-Rufai family. However, this gathering also raises questions about the priorities of Nigeria's political class, particularly at a time when the country is facing significant economic and security challenges. The fact that such a large number of politicians were able to attend the burial ceremony, while many ordinary Nigerians struggle to make ends meet, is a stark reminder of the disconnect between the ruling elite and the people they serve.
