El-Rufai said this at the launch of the autobiography and retirement programme of Professor Ishaq Akintola of Lagos State University (LASU) on Sunday.
Akintola, who is also the founder of Muslim Rights Concerns (MURIC), retired from LASU having attained the statutory retirement age of 70, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
El-Rufai, who was the keynote speaker and awardee at the ceremony, noted that the sound footing with which the administration of President Tinubu started has deflated the ranks of those against the same faith ticket.
He said: “The way with which the present administration at the centre is changing things for the common good of the Nigerian people within a short period shows that leadership should be hinged on merit and not entitlement basis.
“We must de-emphasise religion and ethnic colouration for us to build a society free of ethnic nationality, religion, or political-leaning discrimination.
“As members of the two major religious groups in the country, if we find ourselves in public positions, we should ensure we practice the basic principles of leadership as encapsulated in both religions.”
