President Bola Tinubu’s initial arrangement with former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai concerning a ministerial position has undergone a change.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The original understanding was for El-Rufai to take charge of the anticipated Ministry of Power and Gas, a result of in-depth discussions with President Tinubu aimed at achieving a stable and continuous power supply for the nation.

Although El-Rufai initially expressed a desire to transition into a more private life outside the country during the presidential campaign, he revisited his decision after engaging in “intensive discussions with the President” following the elections….CONTINUE READING

Highlighting the critical role of gas in ensuring dependable power generation, he advocated for the merging of the gas sector with the power ministry.

According to a confidential source who spoke with Punch, El-Rufai had begun collaborating with industry experts to fulfill the President’s commitment to uninterrupted electricity supply.

Prominent figures in this advisory team included Jimi Lawal, Olu Verheijen, Eyo Ekpo, and Tolu Oyekan.

The El-Rufai group speculated that various factors might have led to the President’s postponement of his confirmation.

An undisclosed source linked to the group conveyed, “Certain elements within the Presidential Villa might have perceived El-Rufai as a threat.

They might be planning for the next election and view him as a potential rival to their aspirations. This opposition appears to include political adversaries like Senator Shehu Sani, segments of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and even certain Muslim clerics.”

The source continued, “Recalling El-Rufai’s clashes with federal lawmakers during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, where he exposed alleged bribery demands from some legislators, might have contributed to hesitations.

Although Obasanjo intervened and the matter was resolved, the Senate still cleared him. If President Tinubu were determined to have El-Rufai, he could have insisted on his clearance.”

An earlier source had revealed, “El-Rufai had held numerous discussions with the President regarding the establishment of the new ministry.

The President was informed by El-Rufai that the Ministry of Power should encompass the gas sector as well, an idea President Tinubu agreed with.

Additionally, the proposal included forming a National Energy Council comprised of ministers responsible for finance, environment, energy, justice, and the National Security Adviser’s office.”

“The President embraced these concepts and remained receptive to the former governor’s insights, with El-Rufai consistently briefing the Commander-in-Chief on his findings and strategies for progress.

The President was assured that achieving uninterrupted or minimally interrupted power was feasible within the next five to seven years.”