Same day Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was deposed as Emir, El-Rufai as Gov. of Kaduna State appointed him as Vice-Chairman of an investment council for Kaduna State, 48 hours later, he gave him another appointment as Chancellor of Kaduna State University.

Next, as a Federal High Court ordered the release of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi from Awe in Nasarawa State where Ganduje banished him, guess who was first to arrive there to escort him to Lagos? It was El-Rufai.

The question is, who is that friend that can move heaven and earth for your sake when you are at your lowest ebb and it feels like the whole world is against you?

El-Rufai put his position and probably his political future on the line to stand by our own Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President- Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria when the hawks rose to prominence against him. El-Rufal was the vocal voice in the wilderness. He stood firm, he did not waver.

He treasured his long friendship with Tinubu. He did not betray him, he reminded everyone of the pact between the North and South and would not allow selfish interests to damage the pact by betraying the trust. He was the last man standing.

El-Rufai fought for the crown to presidency to move down South. He would never be forgotten by men like us.

Then, the question arises, amongst your friend, who can do that for you? Or do you just have a bunch of friends who only know you exist when things are good and normal?

Another question is, can you stand by a friend like El-Rufai stood by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in a moment of uncertainty, failure or when the powers that be conspired against Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect?

Can you put your resources, reputation and future on the line to stand by your friend when there is a possibility of a backlash?

This is really food for thought...try and do some friendship appraisal and evaluation, and see if there is any amongst your friends who can be an El Rufai in your time of need and if you too, can be an El-Rufai in a friend's life.

I need an El-Rufai in my life.

Barr. George Olufemi Ogunjimi
Bamofin of Ojo, Lagos