The appointment of the former governor of Kaduna State has been met with resistance, with the Senate delaying confirmation due to security concerns.
Despite reports suggesting El-Rufai may reject the ministerial position, Okechukwu emphasises the value of his potential contributions to the nation.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Okechukwu, who is a foundation member of the APC and serves as the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, stressed the importance of considering El-Rufai’s anticipated positive impact.
He urged President Tinubu to prioritize the national interest and retain El-Rufai in the Federal Executive Council.
Recalling a previous suggestion that El-Rufai be appointed Chief of Staff, Okechukwu highlighted the missed opportunity when former President Muhammadu Buhari chose him as governor of Kaduna instead.
He noted, "The extraordinary El-Rufai tonic was lost and one will not like neither our dear nation nor President Tinubu to miss this rare opportunity."
Okechukwu focused on El-Rufai's potential contributions to revitalising the nation's power sector.
He warned that El-Rufai's exclusion from the system could inadvertently lead to the removal of more Nigerians from the National Electricity Grid, exacerbating the challenges of unreliable power supply.
Okechukwu pointed out that Nigeria's power sector is in dire need of transformation and believes that El-Rufai possesses the unique qualities required for the task.
"I am neither a cheerleader of Malam Nasir El-Rufai nor is he indispensable; however, as Mr. Project, he is equipped more than some of us to not only transform our electricity chain, but also sanitised the toxic power industry," Okechukwu stated.
He highlighted El-Rufai's successful track record in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Kaduna State as evidence of his exceptional competence and capacity to undertake such a significant task.
According to Okechukwu, El-Rufai is currently finalizing his PhD on Power Reforms abroad and has assembled a team prepared to tackle the complex challenges of overhauling the electricity chain.
Okechukwu concluded his appeal by saying, "Let him be Mr. President."
When questioned about potential controversies and transgressions associated with El-Rufai, Okechukwu expressed condemnation for any form of injustice.
He cited the tragic killings that occurred in Kaduna during El-Rufai's tenure, but also suggested that El-Rufai's focus on improving the power sector could serve as an act of atonement for past challenges.