SaharaReporters had reported that the Senate confirmed 45 out of 48 senatorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu. The three nominees not confirmed are El-Rufai, Senator Abubakar Danladi from Taraba State, and ex-Nexim Bank Managing Director, Stella Okotete (Delta State).
The former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP)/Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe, has pleaded with the National Assembly to confirm the ministerial nomination of the immediate past All Progressives Congress (APC) governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai.
SaharaReporters had reported that the Senate confirmed 45 out of 48 senatorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu. The three nominees not confirmed are El-Rufai, Senator Abubakar Danladi from Taraba State, and ex-Nexim Bank Managing Director, Stella Okotete (Delta State).
Senator Yemi Adaramodu, spokesman for Nigeria's upper legislative chamber had said that El-Rufai and the two other nominees may be re-invited for screening.
Calling for El-Rufai’s confirmation by the lawmakers, the Labour Party chieftain on Wednesday on his Twitter handle asked the Senate to reconsider their decision to drop the former governor, saying that though he is somehow radical and has demonstrated religious extremism, he is competent and has immense capacity to perform.
He asked the Senate to rather subject El-Rufai to signing an undertaking to refrain from making comments or statements on religion while in office.
Okukpe said, “The Nigerian Senate should reconsider their decision to drop former Governor El Rufai from the ministerial list. I am not a fan of Mallam El Rufai who I consider to be a radical of some sort and who have in recent past demonstrated some traits of religious extremism.
The Nigerian Senate should reconsider their decision to drop former Governor El Rufai from the ministerial list.
I am not a fan of Mallam El Rufai who I consider to be a radical of some sort and who have in recent past demonstrated some traits of religious extremism.
— Doyin (@doyinokupe) August 9, 2023
“Still, very few people will doubt El Rufai's competence and immense capacity to perform. If it is true that he is being considered for the power ministry, I don't think we should cut our noses to spite or faces.
Still, very few people will doubt El Rufai's competence and immense capacity to perform. If it is true that he is being considered for the power ministry, I don't think we should cut our noses to spite or faces. — Doyin (@doyinokupe) August 9, 2023
“The Senate may insist on an undertaking from him before his confirmation that while in office as minister, he will refrain from making any comments or remarks on religion. The power ministry is extremely important in our economy and in our serious efforts to combat poverty.
“If any Nigerian can fix our energy problems, former Governor El Rufai is certainly one of such people.”
If any Nigerian can fix our energy problems, former Governor El Rufai is certainly one of such people.
— Doyin (@doyinokupe) August 9, 2023