Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has finally spoken about his botches moved to be appointment as a minister in the current administration of President Bola Tinubu on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying Nigerians should disregard claims of being rejected by the National Assembly during his screening for ministerial appointment.
He said on the contrary, he was rejected by President Bola Tinubu for reasons best known to him and that the National Assembly had nothing to do with it.
The former Kaduna governor stated this during an interview on Arise TV on Monday- hist first media interview since he left office moderated by Charles Aniagolu.
Speaking on the scenario around his failed ministerial appointment, El-Rufai accused President Bola Tinubu of deceiving him with request to serve in his cabinet.
He alleged that the President never wanted him in the cabinet despite begging him for support.
“The president begged me publicly to come and serve in his government. After two months of negotiations, we finally agreed that he would nominate me as minister.
“I think along the line, either the president changed his mind. Please don’t believe the story that the NASS rejected me; the National Assembly has nothing to do with this. The president didn’t want me in his cabinet,” El-Rufai said.
The former Governor of Kaduna State played a prominent role in the process that led to the emergence of Tinubu as President.
During the campaign Tinubu had, on one occasion, openly told El-Rufai he would not allow him leave the country saying he had a role to play in his then incoming administration.
More to follow….
