In a recent appeal, Osita Okechukwu, a respected member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Director General of Voice of Nigeria, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to reconsider dropping Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, from a ministerial appointment.
Although Tinubu had initially nominated El-Rufai for a ministerial position, the Senate’s refusal to confirm his nomination due to alleged security concerns prompted Okechukwu’s call for retention.
Speaking on Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu emphasized the irreplaceable value El-Rufai could bring to Tinubu’s administration, particularly in the critical power sector.
Okechukwu stated, “The unique qualities that El-Rufai possesses were regrettably underutilized during the Buhari administration. It would be unfortunate for our nation and President Tinubu to overlook this rare gem. Additionally, the APC stands to gain significantly from capable ministers as we near the 2027 general elections.”
He expressed concerns that removing El-Rufai from the administration could have detrimental effects, affecting not only the national electricity grid but also the lives of citizens. Okechukwu highlighted the challenges faced by both affluent and less fortunate Nigerians due to inconsistent power supply and high tariffs.
“El-Rufai’s expertise is unparalleled, and his vision is sorely needed to address these pressing issues. While I don’t claim he is irreplaceable, his aptitude, as demonstrated by his ‘Mr Project’ reputation, makes him well-equipped to transform our electricity sector and bring much-needed reform to the energy industry.”
As the APC continues to navigate its role in shaping Nigeria’s future, Okechukwu’s call serves as a reminder of the importance of strategic appointments and leveraging the expertise of individuals like El-Rufai to drive positive change in vital sectors.
