The Presidency has dismissed former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s complaints over his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, urging him to move on.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, said El-Rufai is hurt but should not behave like a child crying over spilled milk.
His remarks came in response to El-Rufai’s claim on Arise Television that Tinubu personally rejected his ministerial appointment, despite allegedly urging him to join the cabinet.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Onanuga acknowledged El-Rufai’s disappointment but insisted it was time for him to let go.
“I pity the former governor. He feels hurt that he was not made a minister, but he must move on. He can’t continue behaving like a child, as if someone stole his bread.”
Onanuga also noted that Tinubu recognizes El-Rufai’s contributions to his electoral victory but emphasized that his exclusion from the cabinet wasn’t personal.
“The president has no animosity towards him. If he wasn’t included, that doesn’t mean he should bring down the roof.”
Onanuga further reminded El-Rufai that he has been in public service since 1999 and suggested it was time for him to explore other opportunities.
