Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufia has faulted some of President Tinubu’ s policies , noting that they could not be implemented.
He spoke in an interview with Arise TV on Monday, February 24, , acknowledging the importance of economic reforms but criticized their timing and execution. El- Rufai argued that while some reforms are necessary, their implementation has been flawed..
“I support some of President Tinubu’s policies. Many of the economic measures align with standard practices, but the sequencing is flawed. Moreover, the competence of those executing these reforms is questionable.
Pix: El-Rufai
El- Rufai said, , “some policies, in my opinion, are outrightly wrong”. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has introduced significant economic changes, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira. While these measures have led to some economic stabilization, El-Rufai insists that certain approaches have been misguided.
“You cannot tackle food inflation by undermining local agriculture. Although food prices may be decreasing, local farmers are suffering because they are being forced to compete with subsidized agricultural imports from Europe and other countries. This is an issue I have raised with senior government officials in private discussions,” he said.
Clarifying His Ministerial Nomination Beyond economic policies, El-Rufai also addressed the controversy surrounding his ministerial nomination, asserting that it was President Tinubu who ultimately withdrew his name, not the National Assembly.
Initially El-Rufai was nominated as a minister, but the screening process was stalled due to reported petitions. Many speculated that he was being considered for the power ministry . “The idea that the National Assembly rejected me is untrue. The decision was made by the President himself. Either he changed his mind, or some other factors influenced him. Regardless, I have moved on,” El-Rufai said..
Author: Maureen Ikpeama