Monday, July 13, 2026

‘Childish’ El-Rufai hurt because he wasn’t made minister: Presidency

Mr Onanuga’s statement comes after Mr El-Rufai criticised Mr Tinubu’s government and accused the president of blocking his appointment as minister.

• February 25, 2025
Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai

The presidency on Tuesday responded to criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government by Nasir El-Rufai, saying the former Kaduna governor was hurt because the current administration did not give him a ministerial appointment.

“I will pity former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; he feels hurt that he was not made a minister, but I think it’s time for him to move on,” Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, in an interview with Channels TV.

“You cannot continue to behave like a child as if someone stole his bread and things like that, and then you are crying over spilt milk.”

Mr Onanuga’s statement came hours after Mr El-Rufai criticised Mr Tinubu’s government and accused the president of blocking his appointment as minister after he nominated him.

The former Kaduna governor also accused National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu of plotting to destroy him and eliminate other northerners in preparation for his presidential ambition in 2031.

However, Mr Ribadu denied Mr El-Rufai’s claim, saying he was busy with national assignments and does not have time for media war with the former Kaduna governor.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Femi Gbajabiamila and Prince Adeyemi

Anti-Corruption

Gbajabiamila: I borrowed N400 million to buy appointment in Tinubu’s government, says Adeyemi

“I borrowed this money (N400 million),” Mr Adeyemi said when asked how he raised the funds.

Ibadan

Makinde seeks UN, global rights bodies’ probe of Oyo school abduction

Mr Makinde’s call on international organisations to probe the abduction came days after he linked the abduction to his 2027 presidential ambition.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State

States

Makinde charges Oyo commissioners to stay committed as administration enters final lap

Mr Makinde urged government appointees to prioritise legacy over tenure, citing the late Obafemi Awolowo as an example.

Police Officer

States

Oyo police arrest man, recover pistol, drugs

The police said the investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensified to identify, track, and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Uba Sani of Kaduna State (Credit: Twitter)

States

Gov. Sani appoints new aides, board chairs to enhance service delivery

Mr Musa said that the appointments are part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and inject fresh energy into public service.

Police on stop-and-search

States

Police detain suspect over illegal possession of firearm in Enugu

The police said a concealed locally made double-barrelled pistol was found in the suspect’s possession during a search.