Advocate Seth Nthai has withdrawn his nomination for the position of public protector.

"I have been reflecting on my nomination and have decided that I will serve my country better if I am left where I am. Therefore I am withdrawing my nomination," said Nthai.

Nthai is currently practising as a lawyer.

Chairperson of the committee appointed to recommend a successor to public protector Selby Baqwa, Mninwa Mahlangu, said the committee had no option but to accept his withdrawal and thank him for his attendance.

Nthai lashed out at a story in Tuesday's Cape Times titled "Is this man fit to protect the public?" He denied that the article led to his withdrawal.

"The journalist is confusing fact and fiction," he said.

Nthai was nominated by African National Congress secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe.

In the article Nthai is described as a "survivalist" after being embroiled in numerous controversies.

As former MEC for Safety and Security in the then Northern Province (Limpopo), Nthai was actively involved in purchasing a building to house his department for R18,6-million, when in fact it was worth R8,1-million.

He was also accused of using state vehicles to send his dry cleaning to Johannesburg from Limpopo.

Nthai said this was all untrue and he was considering whether to take legal action.

With acknowledgements to Cape Argus and www.iol.co.za