Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has weighed in on the ongoing public mockery surrounding the intended ministerial appointment of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State.

Reports indicate that El-Rufai withdrew his nomination for a ministerial role and recommended an alternative candidate after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu earlier this week.

Initially slated to head the new Ministry of Power and Energy, a position designed to address the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector, El-Rufai expressed his commitment to enhancing the nation’s power supply during his Senate screening. Despite his dedication, concerns were raised during the screening session, particularly by Sunday Karimi, a representative for Kogi West, citing security issues associated with El-Rufai….CONTINU READING

Although Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggested postponing discussions of such petitions, the Senate later paused El-Rufai’s confirmation along with two other nominees due to pending security clearance issues.

The subsequent developments have evoked mixed reactions. Some sources have alleged that the embarrassment prompted El-Rufai to inform the president of his decision to withdraw his ministerial interest. In response, President Tinubu requested 24 hours to review the situation and relevant reports before reaching a decision.

Recent reports suggest that El-Rufai has left the country for Egypt following his communication of his stance to President Tinubu.

In the midst of these events, Aisha Yesufu retweeted a video of President Tinubu appealing to El-Rufai not to pursue further education abroad, emphasizing the nation’s need for him during this crucial period. Sharing the video, a Twitter user questioned the shift in circumstances regarding El-Rufai’s appointment, as Tinubu’s plea seemingly indicated an unshaken intent.

In her response, Aisha Yesufu asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) sought to publicly diminish El-Rufai and dispel the notion of his unassailable political influence. Through this sequence of events, she opined, the party aimed to reiterate its control and authority.

Aisha Yesufu tweeted, “No change occurred. The intention was to demean Nasir El-Rufai @elrufai and clarify to all that his perceived power was merely an illusion. The individual considered untouchable was deliberately handled and tossed around. It was imperative to remind everyone who held the reins.”