Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has rejected the Kaduna State House of Assembly’s adoption of a report by its ad-hoc committee investigating his governance from May 2015 to May 2023 as a “politically motivated hatchet job”.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai emphasized that his administration was characterized by integrity and competence during his eight-year tenure.
The ad-hoc committee, led by Henry Zacharia, submitted a report to the House on Wednesday, highlighting issues with loans and contracts awarded under El-Rufai’s administration. The Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Liman, alleged that N423 billion was misappropriated by El-Rufai’s administration, leading to significant liabilities for the state.
The committee recommended further investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and his cabinet members for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds, and money laundering. Additionally, the immediate suspension of the former Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, was suggested.
El-Rufai’s spokesperson, Adekeye, defended the integrity of the former governor’s administration and dismissed the committee’s claims as “scandalous”, reaffirming El-Rufai’s commitment to good governance and public service.
Numerous officials who worked in the El-Rufai administration willingly appeared before the ad-hoc committee due to their unwavering belief in the excellence of their service and the uprightness with which they served Kaduna State. They harbored no illusions about the fairness of the process, as it was evident that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry to lend an air of legitimacy to preconceived conclusions.
The conduct of the state legislature, deviating so shamefully from any semblance of decency and impartiality, is truly disheartening. We completely reject the baseless claims being circulated in connection with the report.
Malam El-Rufai would like to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with utmost integrity and to the best of his abilities, supported by a diligent and patriotic team. Throughout his tenure as governor, he adhered to all existing laws in all his endeavors. This biased investigation should be disregarded for what it truly is: a politically motivated attempt to discredit his achievements.
