Onanuga: El-Rufai still hurting over ministerial snub, needs to move on

Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy, has suggested that Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna State governor, is still nursing disappointment over being left out of ministerial appointments.

El-Rufai was initially nominated for a ministerial position in Tinubu’s cabinet but was eventually screened out by the Senate. Since then, he has become increasingly critical of the Tinubu administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In an interview on Arise TV on Monday, El-Rufai claimed that it was President Tinubu, not the Senate, who ultimately rejected his ministerial bid.

Read also: I won’t join issues with El-Rufai; I’m occupied with my job – Ribadu

However, speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, Onanuga argued that while El-Rufai played a significant role in Tinubu’s victory, it was time for him to move past the episode.

“I will pity former Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, he feels hurt that he was not made a minister, but I think it’s time for him to move on,” Onanuga said.

“You cannot continue to behave like a child as if someone stole his bread and things like that and then you are crying over spilt milk.”

Read also: Five talking points from Nasir El-Rufai’s interview on Arise TV

Acknowledging El-Rufai’s contributions to Tinubu’s election, Onanuga said the president had already recognised his efforts.

“It is natural for him to feel bad that he has been excluded. I think the president has acknowledged in a recent tribute to him that Nasir did a lot in installing President Tinubu, and if he is not there it doesn’t mean he will bring down the roof.”

Onanuga maintained that Tinubu holds no grudge against El-Rufai but suggested that the former governor’s criticism stems from personal disappointment.

He urged El-Rufai to move forward, noting that he has been in public service since 1999. “It’s time for him to move on,” Onanuga added.