- By Halimah Olamide
Acknowledges Role in His Election as President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the roles played by the former Governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in his election in 2023.
These, the president stated, on the occasion of El-Rufai’s 65th birthday today.
The statement congratulating him comes amidst lingering disagreement between El-Rufai and the government of Tinubu.
NPO Reports that the former Governor, who was conspicuous in the efforts that led to Tinubu’s emergence, sooner fell apart with the president after his nomination as a Minister was rejected by the Senate.
The senate had rejected the nominee citing security reasons.
However, analysts believed that Tinubu knew about the rejection noting that the senate could not have rejected the former Governor if Tinubu indeed wanted him to serve.
NPO Reports also recalls that El-Rufai had, during the campaigns for Tinubu indicated his desire to remain out of government and not take any role under Tinubu. Tinubu had however insisted that El-Rufai must serve in his administration.
In his statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the President was quoted as stating thus:
” Mallam El-Rufai is an administrator, scholar, and politician. He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance. He served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, and prior to elective office, he had served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007.
“President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation. The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023. President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.”
Of recent, the former governor has criticised the administration of Tinubu showing indications he is opposed to the government.
Last week, he posted on his social media page that he was aware of talks that the administration is planning to arrest him just as he alleged that he had information there is a torture chamber in the office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
He had however said the threats would not be enough for him to go into exile.