Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has responded defiantly to his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, dismissing security concerns cited for his disqualification while questioning why notorious bandit leaders remain free.
During a recent interview on Channels Television, El-Rufai demonstrated unwavering confidence in his character despite the controversy surrounding his failed ministerial nomination.
“Opinion of me doesn’t make me lose any sleep. I don’t care. I know who I am. I know what I am. I sleep well every night. And I don’t need anyone to validate me, or your criticism to affect me,” El-Rufai declared.
When the interviewer pressed him about the specific reasons for his disqualification, noting that it was security-related, El-Rufai offered a sharp retort that highlighted what he sees as misplaced priorities in Nigeria’s security assessment.
The interviewer stated: “Because your disqualification was based on security—that you’re a threat. You’re a security threat.”
El-Rufai responded by contrasting his situation with that of known criminal elements who remain at large.
“Yes, and I’m still around, but Bello Turji is not a security threat. Dogo is not a security threat. Every day they announce they have killed one, but the most important terrorists are still roaming the streets,” he replied, referencing notorious bandit leaders who continue to operate in Nigeria’s northwest region.
The former governor then offered his interpretation of the real reasons behind his exclusion from the cabinet, suggesting that security concerns were merely a convenient justification.
“The security story is all an exit strategy for Tinubu because he has changed his mind about wanting me to be minister. I don’t know what his reasons are, but he changed his mind,” El-Rufai stated.
He indicated that he had received information about the president’s concerns regarding his potential use of the ministerial position.
“I understand that you had ambitions, and you were going to use that office for your own personal ambition, and it was clear—those are what I heard—that really happened,” he revealed.
El-Rufai’s comments suggest a significant breakdown in the relationship between himself and President Tinubu, despite his previous role as one of the president’s prominent campaign supporters.
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