Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna state has denied reports that he is vying to become chief of staff in President-elect Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Addressing reporters in Gombe on Saturday, El-Rufai described the reports on the different portfolios assigned to him and published in national newspapers as “mere speculations”.
The governor, who is in the state to inaugurate the construction of 550 homes and the Gombe Geographic Information Systems Service Center (GOGIS), said he was more interested in contributing to Nigeria’s development than competing for posts.
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.
