Group commends senate over refusal to confirm El-Rufai as minister

The Secure Nation Group, has commended the Senate for refusing to confirm the nomination of Nasir El-Rufai, a former governor of Kaduna State, for appointment as minister.

The Senate on Monday confirmed 45, out of the 48 ministerial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu.

Godswill Akpabio, president of the Senate, informed that the three nominees not confirmed would be subjected to further security checks. He urged those not confirmed to take their matter to the President.

Reacting, the group in a statement by signed on their behalf by Ahmed Lawal, Mabel B. Abraham, Mohammed S. Bashir, Kriss Allen and Godwin E. Emmanuel said: “It could be recalled that on July 31, 2023 , we as Nigerians expressed our dismay over the nomination of the immediate past Governor of Kaduna state Nasir El-Rufai among the ministerial nomination list despite his crimes against the people of Nigeria.

“While protesting at the National Assembly, we made it clear that Nasir El-Rufai’s nomination is a disaster to this present administration and to Nigerians in general.

“It is on record that many Nigerians have demanded the investigation and prosecution of the ex-Governor at the International Criminal Court, ICC, if found culpable in the genocidal murder of many Nigerians as well as destruction of properties in Kaduna state.

“In every democratic dispensation, all citizens must be free to follow their conscience in matters of religious faith, freedom of speech and association.

“Freedom of religion includes the right to worship alone or with others, in public or private, and to participate in religious observance, practice, and teaching without fear of persecution from government or other groups in society.

“It’s quite unfortunate that Nasir El-Rufai, who freely expressed criticism of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, became intolerant to criticism on ascending power.”