Politics

El-Rufai Blasts Political Envy Amidst ₦432bn Corruption Claims

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 31st, 2024.

El-Rufai Blasts Political Envy Amidst ₦432bn Corruption Claims

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai recently expressed his views on the issue of ‘envy’ within Nigeria’s political class via his official X account. His comments come in the wake of allegations accusing his administration of embezzling ₦432 billion during his tenure.

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has accused El-Rufai’s administration of misappropriating funds, leading to substantial debt for the state. An ad hoc committee, led by Henry Zacharia, found that many loans taken under El-Rufai’s administration were misused or acquired without proper procedures. The committee’s report suggested that El-Rufai and some cabinet members should be investigated and prosecuted for alleged corruption and financial misconduct.

In response, El-Rufai’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, defended the former governor’s record, labeling the committee’s claims as “scandalous.” Adekeye asserted that El-Rufai’s administration was conducted with integrity and criticized the committee for what he deemed a politically motivated investigation. El-Rufai has since filed a fundamental rights suit at the Federal High Court in Kaduna against the Assembly.

In a reflective post on X, El-Rufai lamented the prevalence of envy within Nigerian politics, calling it an “incurable disease.” He argued that envy often leads to destructive behavior, including false accusations and severe legal actions against those who are more competent or successful. El-Rufai questioned whether such envy could ever be overcome and emphasized the need to address this issue for Nigeria to achieve its potential and leadership role in Africa.