Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has reportedly withdrawn his nomination to serve as a minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet.
According to Premium Times, the former Governor conveyed his decision to President Tinubu during a meeting held on Tuesday, August 08, 2023.
El-Rufai cited his ongoing commitment to a doctorate program at a university in the Netherlands as a primary reason for his withdrawal from the cabinet candidacy.
El-Rufai also reportedly assured Tinubu that he would continue contributing his quota to national development as a private citizen.
The report said El-Rufai has recommended Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, who served as commissioner in three ministries – Local Government Education and Environment in Kaduna State as replacement.
Recall that the confirmation of El-Rufai and two other ministerial nominees by the Senate was delayed on the ground of insecurity.
The other nominees were Sani Danladi, a former senator from Taraba, and Stella Okotete from Delta State.
During the meeting with President Tinubu, El-Rufai acknowledged his awareness of the Senate’s decision and expressed his intention to discuss the matter with the president.
President Tinubu, on his part, informed El-Rufai that he had received petitions critical of the former governor’s ministerial nomination.
He requested a 24-hour window to review these petitions, as well as the SSS report submitted to the Senate, before making a final decision.
