Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has addressed the recent comments made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, regarding his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial appointments. Onanuga, while speaking publicly, expressed sympathy for El-Rufai but urged him to move on from the issue.
“As a person, I think I will pity the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. He feels hurt that he was not made a minister... I think it is time for him to move on,” Onanuga remarked, referring to El-Rufai’s ongoing frustration with not being included in the current administration’s cabinet.
El-Rufai, who had been widely speculated to be one of the appointees for a key ministerial role, publicly expressed his disappointment when he was not selected for any position in President Tinubu’s government. His exclusion has become a point of contention within political circles, with some viewing it as a significant political snub, given El-Rufai’s influence within the ruling party.
Onanuga’s comments come as part of an effort to address the growing unease surrounding El-Rufai’s exclusion. While acknowledging the former governor’s feelings, Onanuga emphasized that political appointments are ultimately the prerogative of the president, and it was time for El-Rufai to accept the situation and focus on other opportunities.
"Everyone has their moment, and it is clear that this is not Nasir’s time for a ministerial role in this administration," Onanuga added. "It’s important for him to find other ways to contribute to the country’s development."
El-Rufai’s political future remains uncertain, but his exclusion from the cabinet has certainly added to the political drama surrounding President Tinubu’s government. As Nigeria navigates its current political landscape, many are watching to see how key figures like El-Rufai and Onanuga will continue to shape the country’s direction.
