Nigeria, Jan. 7 -- Former governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, had sent a "cryptic" birthday greeting to Governor Abba Yusuf on the occasion of the governor's 63rd birthday.

In a Facebook message on Tuesday, Mr Kwankwaso reflected on their long political alliance, citing the various roles Mr Yusuf has played over the decades under his tutelage.

Mr Kwankwaso offered a poignant prayer for the governor to be granted "clarity of purpose".

"I reflect on the many years of our shared political journey, during which he served in various important capacities- first as my Personal Assistant in my first term and as Minister, and then as Principal Private Assistant, and later as Commissioner ...