Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has expressed delight over his two-day visit to Imo State, declaring that he leaves Owerri with fond memories despite pockets of protest that greeted his presence.
El-Rufai was in Owerri as guest lecturer at the 2025 Odenigbo Lecture hosted by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri at Assumpta Cathedral.
Reports indicated that a small group of protesters gathered around the venue to voice their displeasure over his invitation, insisting that he was unfit to address such a prestigious gathering.
The protesters also took a swipe at former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, for bringing El-Rufai to Igboland.
A faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Imo State had also petitioned the state police command, demanding security action over the visit.
In the petition, signed by the state chairman, Augustine Okere, the party accused El-Rufai and others — including Adam Abubakar Moddibo, Ambition Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, and Rev (Dr) Andy Nwokoro — of impersonation and acts capable of breaching peace.
El-Rufai is a member of the SDP but also part of a coalition of opposition politicians who joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai’s media adviser, in a statement sent to INNONEWS, said that the former governor would always cherish the reception he received.
According to him, El-Rufai noted: “Owerri has been kind and open, and we have enjoyed the time. We leave with great memories.”
Despite the opposition and protests, El-Rufai maintained that his experience in the state was warm and fulfilling.
“Owerri has been a great visit. We were well-received everywhere we went. From religious institutions to engagements with stakeholders, political associates, and the traditional institution, it has been a consistent pattern of welcome and openness,” he said.
The former governor explained that his objective was to deepen engagements for national unity and progress.
“I am overwhelmed by the grace and dignity displayed by the institutions and personalities that have received us. It is an exemplary display of a Nigerian citizen being made to feel welcome outside of his home area, amidst all the attempts at division,” he added.
El-Rufai thanked the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri for hosting him at the Odenigbo Lecture and noted that he also addressed participants at the women’s conference of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu.
He praised His Highness, Eze Stephen Kemjika Agumanu of Nekede, describing him as “a most gracious host.”
He also acknowledged the presence of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who attended one of his interactive sessions.
“The solidarity displayed by His Excellency Peter Obi, despite not feeling well, stood out for me. It was an inspiring moment,” El-Rufai said.
While protests trailed his visit, El-Rufai insisted that the goodwill he encountered outweighed the hostility, stressing that his engagements reaffirmed his faith in dialogue, unity, and bridge-building across Nigeria’s divides.
