Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has strongly refuted allegations of corruption and financial misconduct during his tenure, asserting that he served the state with integrity and diligence. This statement comes in response to a report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly which recommended his investigation and prosecution.
The ad hoc committee, tasked with probing El-Rufai’s administration, submitted its report on Wednesday, accusing the former governor’s government of siphoning N423 billion and leaving the state with significant liabilities. Speaker Yusuf Liman highlighted these findings during the plenary session, emphasizing the need for accountability.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai dismissed the committee’s claims as “scandalous” and “malicious.” He emphasized his pride in his record and legacy in Kaduna State, describing the allegations as a politically motivated attack.
“We are aware of news that the Kaduna State House of Assembly has adopted the report of the ad-hoc committee it asked to probe the El-Rufai government. We have not been availed a copy of the report, to which we would respond robustly whenever we obtain it. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismiss the scandalous claims being aired as the report of the committee,” the statement read.
El-Rufai further criticized the committee’s process, arguing that the investigation lacked fairness and was biased from the outset.
“Many of the officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude with which they served Kaduna State. They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions,” he stated.
El-Rufai urged the public to disregard the report, labeling it as a “politically motivated hatchet job.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving Kaduna State with integrity, asserting that all activities during his administration complied with extant laws.
“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team. He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is,” the statement concluded.
The committee’s report also called for the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, and the chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board. The report recommended that security and anti-corruption agencies investigate and prosecute El-Rufai and other indicted officials for abuse of office, contract award irregularities, diversion of public funds, and money laundering.
The allegations have sparked significant controversy, with observers awaiting further developments as El-Rufai prepares to respond more comprehensively to the committee’s findings.