From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Ex-Commissioners and other loyalists of the former Governor of Kaduna state, Malam Nasir Elrufa’i, have urged the Senate to confirm his Ministerial nomination.
The Former Commissioners who served during the reign of Elrufa’i, made the call while addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Kaduna under the auspices of Like Minds Forum of Nigeria (LMFN).
The Coordinator of the Forum, Dr. Shehu Usman, said the allegations against El-Rufai were desperation of certain interests seeking vengeance against him and to embarrass and undermine President Bola Tinubu.
He wondered why security agencies didn’t arrest and charge Elrufa’i to court over the allegations against him after May 29, 2023, when he no longer enjoyed the immunity that was provided by the constitution by his position as governor.
“Why did the petitioners waited so long for the ministerial screening for them to smuggle a petition, why was a copy of the petition not given to El-Rufai for an appropriate response?
“There were other petitions, as explained by the Senate President, why were other petitions not brought to the Senate chamber during the screening exercise? Why only that against El-Rufai? ,” he wondered.
Usman noted that going by precedents, all security issues and subsequent clearances are treated before the transmission of nominations to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
He further said that it was necessary to harp on Elrufai’s political credentials and achievements, noting that it was the basis for the desire of Nigerians for his services.
“Principally, Nigerians believe that Elrufa’i will help to make our nation better, especially in the power sector.
“El-Rufai remains one of the strongest allies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He played a key role in ensuring power shifted to the South against all odds.”
