POLITICS

Get A Written Undertaking From El-Rufai Before Confirmation: Okupe.

“I am not a fan of Mallam El-Rufai,

Published

9 months ago

August 10, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Get A Written Undertaking From El-Rufai Before Confirmation: Okupe.

Doyin Okupe, previously the Director-General of the Peter Obi presidential campaign, urges the Senate to adopt a cautious approach regarding the confirmation of ministerial nominee Nasir El-Rufai. Okupe suggests that El-Rufai should be required to provide a written undertaking, pledging not to engage in discussions about religion.

Okupe’s proposition follows the Senate’s decision to withhold confirmation of El-Rufai as a ministerial appointee, citing security concerns. Despite this setback, Okupe advocates reconsidering El-Rufai’s appointment, emphasizing his capacity to address Nigeria’s pressing power crisis.

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Taking to Twitter to express his views, Okupe stated, “I am not a fan of Mallam El-Rufai, whom I consider a radical of some sort and who has recently demonstrated some traits of religious extremism. Still, very few people will doubt El-Rufai’s competence and immense performance capacity.”

Okupe proposes a unique approach to address the concerns regarding El-Rufai’s rhetoric in his tweet. He suggests that the Senate request a formal commitment from El-Rufai before his confirmation, specifying that he will refrain from making any comments or statements related to religion while serving as a minister.

Okupe particularly underscores the significance of the power ministry in Nigeria’s economic landscape and its crucial role in the nation’s poverty alleviation efforts. He asserts, “If any Nigerian can fix our energy problems, former Governor El-Rufai is certainly one of such people.”

The Senate’s initial hesitation to confirm El-Rufai stems from security considerations. El-Rufai was among the nominees on the 48-person ministerial list submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

Despite the reservations expressed, Okupe’s proposal highlights the complexity of the decision, balancing concerns over rhetoric with acknowledgement of El-Rufai’s expertise in addressing critical issues such as the power crisis.