May 29: El-Rufai Speaks on Return as FCT Minister Under Tinubu
- Governor Nasir El-Rufai says there will be no second stint for him as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- He disclosed that he does not look back on a job he already left while reacting to rumours about his return as FCT minister
- The pragmatic El-Rufai said he has a handful of young men and women he could recommend for the post
The governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, has played down talks of returning as the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the administration of the incoming government of President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The 63-year-old El-Rufai once served as FCT minister from 17th July 2003 to 27th July 2007 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Source: Facebook
El-Rufai's time as FCT minister earned him a lot of respect and accolades as he was mainly credited for urbanising the nation's capital.
His performance earned him the ticket to become governor of Kaduna state, where he has now served two terms.
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Speaking at a public event on Tuesday, May 9, El-Rufai noted that he would not be serving as the minister of FCT again, as he has played his role in the history of the FCT, and that chapter was closed forever.
As reported by Daily Trust, he said:
“I have done my job, I’m done, I don’t look back. In fact, when I left FCT, the only time I visited FCT was in 2016 when my secondary school classmate was appointed the minister and he said he wanted to see me, so I went there.
“Once I leave a job, I don’t look back. If I leave Kaduna in 19 days, I will only visit if it becomes necessary. So, I don’t think about the FCT. I’ve done my bit. I don’t comment on the performance of those that came after me."
He, however, revealed that he had a long list of young capable talents he could recommend for the role that would perform better than he did in the past.
I'm too old to be minister - El-Rufai
El-Rufai added that age is already catching up with him and that he is too old for the role of minister of the FCT, saying that even if offered the role, he would instantly decline it.
According to TheCable, El-Rufai said:
“Even if offered, I’m not coming to Abuja. As I say, I never repeat class and there are many young people I know that I can recommend that would do even better job than I did as minister of FCT.
“I’m too old for this. I’m too old for demolition, get a young man with blood in his veins or a young woman.”
The Kaduna state governor has also been tipped to play a significant role in the incoming government following his instrumental role in ensuring a power shift to the south during the build-up to the elections.
He is regarded as one of the strongest disciples of Tinubu and has been tipped for significant roles like the Chief of Staff or Secretary to the Government of the Federation of Nigeria.
El-Rufai to become Tinubu’s chief of staff? Kaduna governor breaks silence
Meanwhile, Governor Nasir El-Rufai has denied rumours of him jostling for the position of Chief of Staff in President-elect Bola Tinubu's cabinet.
The Kaduna governor stated that being in government is not the only way to contribute to Nigeria's development, emphasising his commitment to the country's progress.
Upon leaving office, El-Rufai said he plans to take a break but will remain accessible to offer guidance on advancing the country.
Source: Legit.ng
