Bagudu Clears Tinubu Of Blame In El-Rufai’s Ministerial Rejection

Bagudu Clears Tinubu Of Blame In El-Rufai’s Ministerial Rejection....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticism regarding the National Assembly’s failure to confirm former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, as a Minister.

In an interview with Premium Times, Bagudu stated that Tinubu fulfilled his role by nominating El-Rufai for the ministerial position. However, lobbying the National Assembly after El-Rufai’s rejection would have violated the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches.

Bagudu emphasized that Tinubu, as President, was constitutionally constrained and had to respect the legislature’s decision not to confirm El-Rufai.

Tinubu had nominated El-Rufai for a ministerial appointment, but the National Assembly cited a lack of security clearance during the screening process, leading to El-Rufai’s withdrawal of interest in the position.

Bagudu highlighted the constitutional division of powers, affirming the Senate’s authority in the confirmation process. He stated, “The president is handicapped by our constitution to do everything… But that is how the laws have been set up.”

While expressing disappointment at El-Rufai’s rejection, Bagudu maintained that Tinubu had done everything within constitutional bounds to include him in the cabinet.

Bagudu declined to speculate on why Tinubu didn’t intervene or lobby for El-Rufai’s confirmation but stressed that Tinubu’s nomination of El-Rufai demonstrated his desire to include him in the government.

The minister concluded that Tinubu’s submission of El-Rufai’s name and his appearance before the National Assembly for screening showcased the president’s confidence in him.

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