The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has mentioned President Bola Tinubu ought to not be blamed for the National Assembly’s failure to substantiate Nasir El-Rufai as a federal minister.
Mr Bagudu mentioned President Tinubu has proven “character and promise keeping” by nominating Mr El-Rufai to be a minister in his cupboard however the National Assembly as an establishment withheld his affirmation.
“Constitutional democracy is based on separation of powers,” Mr Bagudu informed PREMIUM TIMES in an unique interview. “The Senate has been given a constitutional role in the confirmation process. If they decide to deny any one of us, they are approving their confirmation power.”
“The president is handicapped by our constitution to do everything. Is it fair? But that is how the laws have been set up,” he added.
Mr El-Rufai, as governor of Kaduna State, campaigned vigorously for the election of Mr Tinubu. He, alongside Mr Bagudu and different governors of northern states performed main roles to assist Mr Tinubu win the APC major.
Before the overall election, Mr Tinubu publicly invited Mr El-Rufai to work with him if he grew to become Nigeria’s president.
Last August, President Tinubu nominated Mr El-Rufai for ministerial appointment and despatched his title to the Senate for legislative screening.
The higher legislative chamber, nonetheless, withheld his affirmation and people of two others, citing safety studies from the State Security Service for the motion. The two others had been a former senator from Taraba, Sani Danladi, and a nominee from Delta State, Stella Okotete.
Consequently, the previous Kaduna State governor withdrew his curiosity in being a part of Mr Tinubu’s cupboard.
During his affirmation listening to on 1 August 2023, El-Rufai mentioned Mr Tinubu requested him to work with him on the ability drawback dealing with the nation. According to him, the president had given a goal of seven years for Nigeria to cease experiencing energy outages within the nation.
According to Mr Bagudu, the president did every thing he might to have Mr El Rufai in his cupboard.
“I wish the National Assembly had confirmed him,” Mr Bagudu mentioned.
When requested why Mr Tinubu did not intervene or foyer the National Assembly to substantiate Mr El-Rufai, Mr Bagudu mentioned he would not wish to speculate.
“What was accomplished objectively is that the president nominated him. We know that his title was learn on the Senate. He went to the National Assembly for screening. He answered all of the questions that had been requested of him. Although some had been stepped down.
“So that’s an objective way to look at it. That is what happened. I can’t answer speculatively, but I believe for the president to submit your name, for you at least to be taken to the National assembly, it’s the best measure of the president’s willingness and confidence in the person,” he mentioned.
In the interview, Mr Bagudu additionally spoke in regards to the economic system, the 2024 finances, the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and different issues.
Note: PREMIUM TIMES will publish the total interview with Mr Bagudu on Sunday.
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