Governor Nasir El-Rufai

of Kaduna State has explained why he would never contest election to the Senate to become a lawmaker like some of his colleagues in the country.

He said he does not have the patience to function in that capacity, adding that a lawmaker requires hard work, unlike the executive where decisions could be taken with the right to hire and fire.

El-Rufai spoke at the Distinguished Parliamentarians Lecture 2022 organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja on Monday.

He was the Chairman of the event.

“The legislature is one I know I cannot function, because I do not have the patience,” El-Rufai, a former FCT minister, said.

The governor said in the National Assembly “everyone is equal and no leadership is more tasking than managing your equal. It’s the hardest job in this country.

“I know many of my colleagues are retiring to be legislators but I can assure you I will never retire to be a legislator.”

There are 14 former governors currently serving as senators.

Also, no fewer than eight serving governors are candidates in the 25 February senatorial election.

They are Simon Lalong (Plateau), Muhammed Badaru (Jigawa), Samuel Ortom (Benue), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia).

They are all completing their second term in office in May 2023.

NAN