Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has dispelled rumors that he is striving to become chief of staff in the cabinet of President-elect Senator Bola Tinubu.
El-Rufai said this in Gombe on Saturday while addressing reporters.
El-Rufai was in the state to inaugurate the construction of 550 housing units and the Gombe Geographic Information Systems Service Center (GOGIS).
He described the reports on the different portfolios that were assigned to him and published in national newspapers as “mere speculation.”
The governor said he was more interested in contributing to the development of Nigeria than competing for positions.
El-Rufai noted that being in government was not the only way to contribute to Nigeria’s development, saying that even if he were not in government, he would remain committed to the country’s progress.
“I have not had that discussion with the president-elect and I do not like to speculate.
“I read in the newspapers all kinds of folders that I get, but you know, I am a committed Nigerian.
“I want to see my country progress and everything I can do to contribute to the development of the country, I will do.
“But, I don’t have to do it by working in the government. Everyone working in the private sector or in civil society is contributing.
“There is no one way to contribute to the country and I will never stop working for the progress of Nigeria,” he said.
The governor said that when he leaves office in the next 22 days, he will take a break but will be available to provide advice, when needed, on how to move the country forward.
“I will be in the private sector, not in any chief of staff. I will take a break and advise people like Governor Inuwa Yahaya if they need it,” he said.
On Tinubu’s presidency from May 29, El-Rufai said Nigerians would not regret voting for the president-elect, stressing that better days are ahead for Nigerians under Tinubu.
