President Bola Tinubu has reacted to allegations made by former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed that Tinubu, rather than the National Assembly, was responsible for his exclusion from the ministerial list.
In an interview on Arise TV’s Prime Time on Monday, El-Rufai dismissed claims that the Senate had rejected his nomination due to security concerns.
He stated, “The National Assembly had nothing to do with it; the president didn’t want me in his cabinet.”
Reacting to the allegations, Tinubu through his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga advised El-Rufai to move past the disappointment.
Onanuga spoke on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday morning.
He acknowledged El-Rufai’s hard work during Tinubu’s campaign but urged him not to continue lamenting his exclusion.
Onanuga noted that while it is natural to feel hurt, President Tinubu has recognized El-Rufai’s contributions and there is no ill will between them.
Onanuga urged El-Rufai to accept the situation and move on, pointing out that his long career in public service since 1999 should encourage him to look forward rather than dwelling on the past.
“I will pity former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, he feels hurt that he was not made a minister, but I think it’s time for him to move on,” Onanuga said.
“You cannot continue to behave like a child as if someone stole his bread and things like that and then you are crying over spilt milk.”
“It is natural for him to feel bad that he has been excluded. I think the president has acknowledged in a recent tribute to him that Nasir did a lot in installing President Tinubu, and if he is not there it doesn’t mean he will bring down the roof.”
