Politics

Just in: Protesters Demand Arrest of Ex-Governor El-Rufai Over Alleged N423 Billion Fraud

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 20th, 2024.

Just in: Protesters Demand Arrest of Ex-Governor El-Rufai Over Alleged N423 Billion Fraud

Protesters

Protesters gathered at the Kaduna Government House demanding the arrest and investigation of Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, over allegations of abuse of office and money laundering. This follows a recommendation from the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

El Rufai

The House of Assembly’s ad hoc committee, led by Henry Zacharia, reviewed the finances, loans, and contracts from El-Rufai’s administration, finding significant mismanagement. The report highlighted that many loans were not used for their intended purposes and that due process was often ignored.

Yusuf Liman, Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, revealed that El-Rufai’s administration misappropriated N423 billion, leaving the state with substantial debt.

On Thursday, members of the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG) called on current Governor Uba Sani to initiate a probe. They urged the involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other agencies to arrest and prosecute El-Rufai.

Protesters held placards with messages like, “We will occupy all MDAs to chase out all indicted persons in the report” and “Stop servicing all loans that did not follow due process.”

Comrade Victor Duniya, Chairman of KCWGG, addressed the press at the Kaduna Government House, urging Governor Sani to implement the committee’s recommendations and forward the findings to anti-corruption agencies. He cited the diversion of N10.5 billion meant for pastoral nomadism and a milk industry in Damau, Kubau LGA, which was instead used for constructing Galaxy Mall in Kaduna. The report also uncovered overpayments to contractors, payments to unregistered companies, and funds disbursed for incomplete work, totaling over N36.3 billion. Additionally, it documented an expenditure of over N11 billion on a non-existent MRT transportation scheme.

Duniya condemned the previous administration’s mismanagement, which he said had exacerbated poverty in the state. He praised Governor Uba Sani for not interfering with the legislative process and for maintaining transparent governance. Duniya also commended the Kaduna State House of Assembly for their thorough investigation despite facing threats and blackmail.

The group assured their support for Governor Sani’s leadership and urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute El-Rufai and his associates. They concluded by thanking participants for their peaceful protest despite adverse weather conditions.

Duniya was later received privately by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Secretary to the State Government Abdulkadir Meyere, Deputy Chief of Staff Umar Hassan Waziri, and others.