Nasir El-Rufai

The Council of Imams and Ulamas in Kaduna State have condemned the non-confirmation of the ministerial appointment of the immediate past governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai by the Nigerian Senate.

The Muslim clerics alleged that some individuals who are jittery over El-Rufai “s appointment and towering political profile are behind his ordeal.

Recall that  El-Rufai was one of the nominees forwarded to the lawmakers for screening and confirmation for ministerial appointment.

However, the confirmation of El-Rufai and two other nominees were kept pending due to non-security clearance when the Senate concluded its legislative exercise on Monday.

Reacting to the development, the Council of Imams and Ulamas at a news conference in Kaduna State faulted the non-confirmation of El-Rufai.

According to the clerics, the former Governor was not confirmed as a result of mere politics of vendetta and abuse of power by some people.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Deputy Chairman of Council of Imams and Ulamas, Imam Muhammad Kasshim said it was wrong for the security agencies to have relied on a petition by Shiites group not to confirm El-Rufai.

Kashim submitted that the Shiite group has been proscribed by the Federal Government hence their petition should not hold water.

The Ulamas went ahead to describe the petitions against El-Rufai by Shiites and some others as outrageous and unfounded.

They also urged the Senate to ignore the unfounded allegations against the former Governor and confirm El-Rufai based on his competency and contribution to the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last election.