In a surprising turn, today’s headline from The our source reveals a twist in the political drama: ‘Senate drops El-Rufai, Danladi, Okotete, okays Keyamo after apology’. The pivotal reason? A security report.
But questions arise: If Nyesom Wike clears a security test, why not El-Rufai? And if not El-Rufai, why sideline the well-regarded Stella Okotete?
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fidelity is in question, as the landscape of politics becomes a playing field for interests driven by resource allocation. Why wouldn’t Nasir El-Rufai and Stella Okotete feel slighted if they’re not confirmed as ministers?
The omission of a female nominee, replaced not by another woman but by a male, raises eyebrows in this era. A modern society expects more.
Stella Okotete, known for her grassroots mobilization, stands out in national politics. Her nomination garnered enthusiasm among Delta State’s Urhobo community, recognizing her selfless dedication to others.
Notably, Okotete’s commitment to the APC and President Tinubu led to substantial votes in the 2023 Presidential Elections. Her loyalty to the party’s leadership, including her mentor Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, is unwavering.
El-Rufai, whether admired or criticized, championed the shift of Nigeria’s Presidency to the South. His vocal endorsement of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential bid in the North spoke volumes.
The security report, often a pretext for rejection, appears as a cloak for political maneuvers against Tinubu’s candidates. But can it truly apply to El-Rufai and the commendable Okotete?
President Tinubu’s nomination of Okotete followed by Keyamo’s swift confirmation triggers speculation. Is there an undercurrent favoring men over women?
The Senate’s influence is not limitless, as exemplified by the case of Prof. Babalola Borishade under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Tinubu’s ministerial list has faced a power struggle, hinting at a fractured system vying for control of the Tinubu presidency.
This spectacle raises concerns about a President’s awareness of decisions made in his name, echoing the days of President Muhammadu Buhari.