The Southern Kaduna Muslim Ummah Development Association, SOKAMUDA, has appealed to the National Assembly to reconsider its decision and confirm Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a minister.
The Chairman of the association, Bala Adamu, made the call during a press conference in Kaduna.
Mr Adamu said their demand for Mr El-Rufai’s confirmation was due to the confidence the generality of citizens has on the nominee and former governor of Kaduna state.
The association also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene taking into consideration the background of Mr El-Rufai towards the promotion of democracy in the country.
Mr Adamu noted that the ministerial nominee had proven track record of performance promotion of unity by fostering an inclusive society and bringing together diverse communities for the greater good of Kaduna state.
“SOKAMUDA wish to equivocally register our displeasure and sadness over the recent developments that are ongoing at the National Assembly on the screening of ministerial nominees by Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As regards the nominee from Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, and the inability of the red chamber to recommend him after duly screening him, where he was asked to take bow and leave.
“We in the SOKAMUDA are left in total disbelief over the turn of events where his name was withheld under the excuse that it was awaiting security clearance,” he said.
According to him, Mr El-Rufai’s name along with all others couldn’t have reached the red chambers without formally passing through the rigorous screening of all security mechanisms.
He stated that the association have been thrown into confusion and dilemma to the reasons making the rounds in the media that prompted the unexpected development, where his name was withheld.
Mr Adamu said that the narrow and unsubstantiated views, including claims of closure of Almajiri schools, cannot be the basis for not confirming Mr El-Rufai.
He explained that the unanimous endorsement of El-Rufai’s nomination by the three senators representing the state who are in the opposition party proved his selfless service to Kaduna.
“We wonder how senator from Kogi State, outside the North West zone, rosed and claimed to be in possession of a weighty petition against Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai.
“Malam Nasiru El-Rufai was prepared to respond on the said petition, unfortunately, the Senate president said that the issue of the petition should be put on hold,” he observed.
NAN
