New insights have emerged
surrounding the unraveling of the pact between President
Bola Tinubu and former
Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which had aimed to secure
El-Rufai’s position as a minister within the anticipated Federal Executive Council.
An in-depth investigation by
Saturday PUNCH has revealed that El-Rufai had been assured of heading the
proposed Ministry of Power and Gas, a commitment that stemmed from numerous
discussions between him and the President. These discussions centered on the
critical objective of achieving consistent and uninterrupted power supply
within the country in the coming years.
Sources close to the matter have
disclosed that during the presidential campaign, El-Rufai initially expressed a
preference for a quieter life abroad. However, he underwent a change of heart
after engaging in intensive deliberations with the President subsequent to his
electoral victory.
El-Rufai put forth a persuasive
argument before the President, emphasizing that the Ministry of Power should
encompass gas as well. He emphasized the indispensability of gas in ensuring a
stable power supply across the nation.
A confidential source, speaking
under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information,
revealed that El-Rufai began to assemble a group of experts, informally
referred to as “egg-heads,” to provide insights on how to fulfill the
President’s crucial campaign promise of consistent power supply. Notable
members of this expert group included Jimi Lawal, Olu Verheijen, Eyo Ekpo, and
Tolu Oyekan.
However, the President’s delay in
confirming El-Rufai’s appointment was believed to have been influenced by a
confluence of factors. An insider from El-Rufai’s camp indicated that certain
elements within the Presidential Villa might have perceived El-Rufai as a
potential threat. This faction, driven by their own political aspirations and
concerns about the next election, reportedly rallied against El-Rufai’s
nomination.
The group against El-Rufai’s
appointment included figures like Senator Shehu Sani, elements within the
Christian Association of Nigeria, and certain Muslim clerics. This coalition of
opposition likely influenced the President’s hesitation, considering El-Rufai’s
previous controversies and clashes with federal lawmakers during the
administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Earlier interactions between
El-Rufai and the President revolved around the proposed structure of the
Ministry of Power and its inclusion of gas. This proposal also encompassed the
establishment of a National Energy Council composed of key ministers
responsible for finance, environment, energy, justice, and the office of the
National Security Adviser. These suggestions were met with positive reception,
and El-Rufai’s efforts were aimed at actualizing a reliable power supply within
five to seven years.
The initial strong bond between
President Tinubu and El-Rufai, formed during the crisis preceding the All
Progressives Congress presidential primary, had initially led to Tinubu overlooking
certain security concerns related to El-Rufai. Nevertheless, influential
members of Tinubu’s inner circle expressed reservations about granting El-Rufai
substantial power within the government due to concerns about trustworthiness.
In a significant turn of events,
the Department of State Services (DSS) issued a letter to the Senior Special
Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), indicating a
delay in El-Rufai’s clearance for the ministerial position. The DSS cited
unresolved issues that arose during their vetting process as the reason for the
delay.
Amidst these developments,
unverified reports surfaced that El-Rufai had communicated his withdrawal from
the ministerial position to the President. This decision was reportedly prompted
by the DSS’s request for a hold on his Senate clearance pending further
investigation.
Sources indicated that El-Rufai
communicated his withdrawal to President Tinubu during a meeting that also
involved former Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike. During this meeting at the
Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, El-Rufai expressed his desire to
concentrate on his ongoing doctorate program in the Netherlands. He further
proposed the appointment of Jafaru Ibrahim Sani, a former commissioner under
his leadership in Kaduna State, as his replacement.
Following this meeting, El-Rufai
departed for an undisclosed international destination, marking a pivotal
chapter in the complex narrative surrounding his anticipated ministerial
appointment.
