Reports suggest that Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Katsina State, is poised to reject a ministerial appointment offered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. President Tinubu had submitted the names of 48 nominees, including El-Rufai, for screening and confirmation by the National Assembly as ministers.
El-Rufai and two other nominees were not cleared by the Senate due to allegations against them. Before they are called back for Senate confirmation, they need to receive security clearance. Despite this, sources cited by Peoples Gazette indicate that El-Rufai is set to turn down the ministerial position, even if he eventually receives security clearance and Senate confirmation.
Sources claim that El-Rufai is disgruntled by the delay in his senatorial screening, which appears to cast doubt on his security status as a prominent Nigerian politician. Despite his belief that security clearance will be granted and the Senate will confirm him, he reportedly plans to wait until after confirmation to officially decline the appointment.
One source mentioned that El-Rufai’s decision is aimed at demonstrating to Nigerians that there are no valid reasons for his security assessment to be on hold. Despite efforts by his close friends to arrange a meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to resolve any issues, El-Rufai reportedly refused, believing that the NSA lacks the political stature to unilaterally withhold a ministerial nomination.
Another source indicated that El-Rufai would wait until after Senate confirmation before declining the appointment, as any actions by Nuhu Ribadu would likely have the president’s prior knowledge.