Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir Ahmed el-Rufa’i is all but guaranteed to excuse himself from President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council, even if his security clearance ultimately goes through for ministerial confirmation, according to sources.
According to the sources, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, the former Kaduna State governor said he was incensed by the hold on his senatorial endorsement that appeared to cast a pall on his security status as a prominent Nigerian politician,
Although el-Rufa’i has not publicly announced his intention to abandon his ministerial nomination as he believed the Senate would eventually receive a green light from the national security establishment and subsequently confirm him, the sources hinted that he has decided to wait until his confirmation before announcing his desire not to serve in the cabinet. This move, the sources added, eliminates any emergency developments that could force his hands otherwise.
Observers say if he does so, he could be the first to resign ministerial appointment between Senate confirmation and inauguration.
It was gathered that the reason el-Rufa’i decided to follow this approach was to show the Nigerian public that there were no justifiable grounds for the outcome of his security assessment to be placed on hold to preclude him from serving as a minister.
El-Rufa’i was among three politicians whose confirmations were withheld by the Senate on Monday. They were among 48 total ministerial nominations forwarded to the upper parliamentary chamber by President Tinubu, with lawmakers clearing 45 names who are now being assigned portfolios.
El-Rufa’i’s decision is coming despite relentless entreaties from his closest and most powerful friends.
The former governor did not return a request seeking comments regarding this story.
