By Ahmad Deedat Zakari
President Bola Ahmad Tinubu yesterday, named Balarabe Abbas Lawal from Kaduna State as minister-nominee to replace former governor Nasir el-Rufai, who was rejected by the Senate in August.
This replacement was communicated through a letter read by the Senate President, GodsWill Akpabio, during the plenary session on Tuesday.
Balarabe’s nomination was announced alongside Dr. Jamila Ibrahaim and Ayodele Olawande, who were nominated by the President for the roles of Minister of Youths and Minister of State for Youths, respectively.
In August, El-Rufai’s name was conspicuously absent from the confirmed list of ministerial nominees presented to the Senate.
During the screening process, which took place about a month ago, the Senate approved and confirmed a total of 45 out of the 48 nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu.
Several petitions, including those from Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), were presented against the former governor during the screening.
Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, voiced his opposition to the former Kaduna State governor during the ministerial screening.