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.