Drama As Senator Confronts EL-Rufai During Screening, Drops Petition Against Him

Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi west, on Tuesday, presented a petition at the senate against Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state.

Karimi submitted the petition against el-Rufai during the special plenary while the former governor was being screened by the upper legislative chamber.

The lawmaker said the petition bothers on security, unity and cohesiveness of the country.

“Your performance in any office you find your office in the country has been outstanding. In the Bureau of public enterprise (BPE), your record is there, in FCT as a minister, your record is there, and as two-time governor of Kaduna state, you did well,” the senator said.

“But, I have a very strong petition against you that bothers on security, unity and cohesiveness of the Nigerian nation.

“And I think that the petition has to be considered along in this screening exercise.”

Karimi then proceeded to lay the petition before Barau Jibrin, deputy senate president, who presided over the screening exercise.

Jibrin said he was not sure if Karimi followed the normal process to present the petition, but added that the petition would be considered later.

“I don’t know if you followed the normal process, but this is the opportunity for nominees to explain and showcase themselves, later we will come to confirmation and approval,” he said.

Other senators commended el-Rufai, noting that the former governor is competent to be a minister.

Ibrahim Kalid representing Kaduna north, said he and his two colleagues from the state as well as all the residents are in support of el-Rufai’s nomination as minister.