Politics
Tinubu’s Achievements Trump El-Rufai’s Woes, Says Group
A civil society organisation, Citizens Collective for Good Governance (CCGG), has attributed recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to what it describes as resentment over his exclusion from the federal cabinet.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its president, Dr. Gambo Abdulkadri, the group condemned El-Rufai’s remarks on national television, describing them as “vindictive” and “rooted in personal disappointment.”
El-Rufai, during an interview on Arise Television, claimed that President Tinubu would need a “miracle” to win re-election in 2027, citing alleged polling figures that show a 91 per cent disapproval rating.
The CCGG dismissed these claims as “fabricated,” accusing the former governor of peddling misinformation to settle political scores.
“The public outburst by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is nothing but the cry of a political actor whose ego was bruised when President Tinubu, in his wisdom, declined to reward him with a ministerial position,” Dr. Abdulkadri said.
He argued that El-Rufai’s change in posture was a clear indication that his political support for the president was never about national interest but driven by self-promotion.
The group credited President Tinubu’s administration with implementing difficult but necessary reforms across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, and education. It also cited ongoing efforts to revive the economy, attract foreign investment, and address infrastructural deficits.
“Within just over a year, President Tinubu has taken bold steps to reset Nigeria’s economic trajectory,” the statement said. “From dismantling the corrupt fuel subsidy regime to introducing reforms aimed at long-term stability, these actions point to a leader focused on future generations, not short-term popularity.”
El-Rufai, who governed Kaduna State for two terms and served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under President Obasanjo, was accused by the group of leaving behind a legacy marred by insecurity and social division.
The CCGG also cast doubt on the authenticity of El-Rufai’s polling claims, referring to them as “phantom figures drawn from the depths of his discontent.”
They argued that support for President Tinubu remains strong across various segments of Nigerian society, even in the absence of a formal re-election campaign.
The group concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on issues of national importance rather than personal political grievances.
“El-Rufai should understand that being excluded from a cabinet position is not a betrayal — it is the president’s prerogative,” the statement noted. “Governance is not a reward scheme for political loyalty. It must be earned and justified by competence and necessity.”
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The Senate has asked President Bola Tinubu to immediately remove the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN), from his office.
As reported by Nigerian Tribune, the Senate committee on finance, while passing a resolution in Abuja on Thursday, February 26, accused Magaji of failing to honour the upper legislative chamber’s invitations to account for the finances of his agency.
Senator Sani Musa, the chairman of the committee, said:
“He (Magaji) refused on so many occasions to honour our invitation to appear before this committee.
“We have issues with the reconciliation of the revenue of CAC.
“Each time we invite him, he gives us excuses.
” Magaji was appointed to this position by President Tinubu on October 13, 2023.
As the registrar-general of the CAC, Magaji is expected to work for the development and regulation of corporate affairs in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu on Wednesday night, February 25, formally urged the Senate to begin the process of amending the 1999 constitution to provide for the establishment of state police, declaring that Nigeria must urgently restructure its security architecture to confront terrorism, banditry and insurgency.
Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with the leadership and members of the Senate at the State House, Abuja, the president stated that the time had come for lawmakers to “start thinking” about embedding state policing in the constitution to enable governments at subnational levels better secure their territories.
The Nation quoted President Tinubu as saying:
“Nigeria is extremely challenged, we are facing terrorism, banditry, insurgency, but you never failed to make a right response to these calls.
“What I will ask for tonight is for you to start thinking how best to amend the Constitution to incorporate the state police for us to secure our country, take over our forests from marauders, free our children from fear.”
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress and the New Nigeria Peoples Party have called on the National Assembly to commence a fresh process to amend the Electoral Act.
Speaking on behalf of the opposition at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, NNPP National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, urged federal lawmakers to expunge all objectionable provisions contained in the Act.
Prominent opposition figures at the meeting included former Senate President David Mark; NNPP chieftain Buba Galadima; former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Also in attendance at the Lagos/Osun Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, were the ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; and the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alongside other stakeholders.
Others present included Senator Dino Melaye, former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu, and former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, among several dignitaries.
The Bayelsa state house of assembly has approved the appointment of Peter Akpe as the deputy governor of the state.
Akpe, a pastor, served as chief of staff to Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, prior to his nomination.
Ordained clergy by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Akpe has had a career spanning the civil service and politics.
He served in the Rivers and Bayelsa state civil services before transitioning fully into politics.
Akpe was a two-term member of the Bayelsa state house of assembly from 2011 to 2019, serving as majority leader throughout his stint in the legislature.
He also served as commissioner between 2008 and 2011 under the Seriake Dickson administration.
The approval clears the way for his swearing-in as deputy governor.
Akpe’s appointment follows the death of Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the former deputy governor, who passed on last December.
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