Former Campaign Director Urges Senate to Seek Undertaking from El-Rufai Before Confirmation

Renowned political figure and former Director-General of the Peter Obi presidential campaign, Doyin Okupe, has made a compelling plea to the Senate regarding the ministerial nominee Nasir El-Rufai. Okupe has proposed that El-Rufai be required to sign a formal undertaking promising not to engage in discussions related to religion before his confirmation is granted.

Taking to Twitter, Okupe expressed his reservations about El-Rufai’s potential appointment but acknowledged his commendable capabilities, particularly in addressing Nigeria’s power crisis.

“While I may have reservations about Mallam El-Rufai, considering his radical tendencies and past manifestations of religious extremism, there is no denying his competence and remarkable capacity to deliver,” Okupe stated.

Okupe suggested that the Senate revisit its decision to reject El-Rufai’s confirmation and instead present him with a condition to abstain from making any religious comments during his tenure as a minister.

“The Senate may insist on an undertaking from him before his confirmation that while in office as a minister, he will refrain from making any comments or remarks on religion,” Okupe recommended.

Underscoring the urgency of the matter, Okupe emphasized the critical role that the power ministry plays in Nigeria’s economic development and its fight against poverty. He expressed confidence that El-Rufai possesses the expertise necessary to address the nation’s pressing energy challenges.

“The power ministry is extremely important in our economy and in our serious efforts to combat poverty. If any Nigerian can fix our energy problems, former Governor El-Rufai is certainly one of such people,” Okupe asserted.

The Senate’s decision to withhold confirmation for El-Rufai arose from security concerns. El-Rufai had been included in the 48-member ministerial list submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

As debates continue surrounding El-Rufai’s potential ministerial appointment, Okupe’s proposal offers a potential solution that would allow for the utilization of El-Rufai’s expertise while addressing concerns about his statements on religion.