The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has defended President Bola Tinubu against criticisms over the National Assembly’s failure to confirm Nasir El-Rufai as a federal minister.
In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Bagudu emphasized that blaming President Tinubu for Mr. El-Rufai’s non-confirmation is unjust, citing the constitutional separation of powers.
“Constitutional democracy is based on separation of powers. The Senate has been given a constitutional role in the confirmation process. If they decide to deny any one of us, they are approving their confirmation power,” stated Mr. Bagudu.
Acknowledging President Tinubu’s nomination of Mr. El-Rufai for a ministerial position, Bagudu commended Tinubu’s “character and promise keeping.” However, he stressed the limitations imposed by the constitution on the president’s actions.
“The president is handicapped by our constitution to do everything. Is it fair? But that is how the laws have been set up,” he added.
Mr. El-Rufai, who campaigned for President Tinubu during the general election, was nominated by Tinubu for a ministerial role last August. However, his confirmation, along with two others, was withheld by the Senate based on security reports from the State Security Service.
Despite President Tinubu’s efforts, including a public invitation for Mr. El-Rufai to join his cabinet, the Senate’s decision led to El-Rufai withdrawing his interest in the position.
Reflecting on the process, Bagudu expressed disappointment, stating, “I wish the National Assembly had confirmed him.”
Responding to questions about Tinubu’s intervention, Bagudu refrained from speculation, emphasizing the president’s submission of El-Rufai’s name to the National Assembly as a testament to his confidence in the nominee.
“What was done objectively is that the president nominated him. We know that his name was read at the Senate. He went to the National Assembly for screening. He answered all the questions that were asked of him. Although some were stepped down,” Bagudu clarified.