Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, stating that it lacks the capacity to effectively address the challenges currently facing Nigeria.
El-Rufai, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, made the remarks during an Arise TV interview on Monday.
He stated that the current administration lacks the technocratic expertise that Tinubu was once recognized for during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.
El-Rufai stated, “This is the largest cabinet in Nigeria’s history, yet only a handful can truly be considered capable or effective.
”He pointed out that past administrations featured individuals like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Oby Ezekwesili, who brought a high level of professionalism and competence to governance.
He added, “Where are the professionals in this government? There is an obvious lack of quality. What we’re seeing now is deeply disappointing.”
The former governor also acknowledged that he shares some of the responsibility, having backed Tinubu in the 2023 election based on the president’s performance in Lagos.
“I supported him because I believed in the legacy he built in Lagos. He brought in professionals like Yemi Osinbajo and Wale Edun, and appointed individuals from diverse backgrounds. But what we’re witnessing now is far from what I anticipated,” he said.
El-Rufai added that he now feels a duty to speak up and help correct what he described as a significant misstep.
“I can’t sit back and watch Nigerians endure this level of hardship. If these issues aren’t addressed, we could be heading toward serious trouble,” he warned.
El-Rufai also clarified that he never had a close personal bond with President Tinubu, noting that his political alignment was primarily with former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Within the party, I was known as one of Buhari’s loyalists. Tinubu had his own circle. My affiliation was more with Baba Bisi Akande,” he added.
