According to THE PUNCH newspaper, fresh insights have emerged regarding the breakdown of the agreement between President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, concerning El-Rufai’s prospective ministerial role in the upcoming Federal Executive Council.
An investigation by the national daily disclosed that El-Rufai was assured of heading the proposed Ministry of Power and Gas due to his comprehensive discussions with the President about achieving a consistent power supply within the nation in the coming years. However, his nomination faced a setback when the Department of State Services (DSS) declined clearance due to specific security concerns. A source revealed that a second intelligence agency report played a pivotal role in determining El-Rufai’s fate.
El-Rufai’s endorsement of Tinubu’s aspiration before the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary initially led Tinubu to overlook security concerns raised against him. However, prominent figures within the President’s inner circle expressed reservations about granting him significant authority, citing lingering uncertainties about his complete trustworthiness.
In unverified reports that emerged on Friday, it was suggested that the former Kaduna State governor had notified the President of his withdrawal from the ministerial role.
During a meeting at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, El-Rufai reportedly conveyed his decision to Tinubu, with former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike also present. He proposed Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner under his leadership, as a potential replacement.
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