Bayo Onanuga Responds to El-Rufai’s Criticism, Says Ex-Governor is Hurt Over Ministerial Exclusion

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has reacted to comments made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who recently expressed frustration over his exclusion from the president’s cabinet.

During an interview on Arise TV, El-Rufai revealed that his nomination for a ministerial role was blocked by President Tinubu, not the National Assembly, as had been suggested. El-Rufai claimed that Tinubu initially invited him to be part of the government but later rescinded the offer.

In response, Onanuga, speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, expressed sympathy for El-Rufai, acknowledging that the former governor was likely feeling hurt by his exclusion from the cabinet. Onanuga stated, “As a person, I think I will pity former governor Nasir El-Rufai. He feels hurt that he was not made a minister… it’s natural for him to feel hurt, excluded, but it’s time for him to move on.”

Onanuga further urged El-Rufai to avoid harboring bitterness, saying, “You cannot continue to behave like a child as if somebody stole your bread and things like that and then you’re crying over spilt milk?”

Onanuga reiterated that President Tinubu has no personal animosity towards El-Rufai and emphasized that El-Rufai’s ongoing criticisms of the administration do not accurately reflect the situation on the ground. The presidential adviser acknowledged the challenges inherited by the Tinubu government but assured that progress is being made, with improvements becoming evident.

He also noted that the president had recently acknowledged El-Rufai’s significant contributions to his election victory, but added that this does not obligate the president to include him in the government. Onanuga concluded by urging El-Rufai to accept the current circumstances and focus on contributing positively to the nation’s progress.