The Kaduna State House of Assembly Probe Committee, which conducted an investigation into the governance of former governor Nasir El-Rufai, revealed that he authorized substantial withdrawals in both dollars and naira from government accounts.
In April, the Assembly established a 13-member committee to scrutinize the loans, grants, and project implementation during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.
The alleged misappropriation amounted to N423 billion.
Henry Zacharia, the committee’s chairman, presented the report during a plenary session yesterday, stating that a significant portion of the loans acquired by the El-Rufai administration were diverted for other purposes.
The report of the Committee, swiftly adopted and sent to Governor Uba Sani for prompt action, also implicated El-Rufai in collusive activities with commissioners and heads of parastatals to defraud the state by instructing the Kaduna State Public Procurement Agency (KADPPA) to bypass proper procedures in contractor payments via a letter dated June 21, 2021.
The Committee alleged that several government contractors were either overpaid or received payments without fulfilling the designated projects. It recommended that the implicated contractors, such as Ronchess Global Resources PLC, Chamberlayne Global Concept Ltd, and M/S Prestige Integrated Services Ltd, among others, repay N36.3 billion, representing funds disbursed for work that was not completed, overpayments, or diversion to the Kaduna State Government.
In response to the ad-hoc committee’s report, former governor El-Rufai, through his media adviser Muyiwa Adekeye, vehemently refuted the allegations, maintaining that his administration upheld the highest standards of integrity.
The statement conveyed: “We have not been provided with a copy of the report to which we will respond vigorously once obtained. We affirm the integrity of the El-Rufai administration and dismiss the scandalous allegations circulating regarding the committee’s report.
“Malam Nasir El-Rufai takes immense pride in his governance record and the lasting impact he had on Kaduna State. This enduring legacy of exceptional performance in both public and private capacities cannot be tarnished by baseless attempts to besmirch his reputation through the mechanisms of a state legislature.
“Numerous officials who served in the El-Rufai administration appeared before the ad-hoc committee with confidence in the quality of their service and the integrity with which they served Kaduna State. It was evident that the ad-hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry to justify predetermined conclusions.
“It is disheartening to witness such a disgraceful departure from principles of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We unequivocally reject the allegations being circulated regarding the report.
“Mr. El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he governed Kaduna State with honesty and to the best of his abilities, supported by a diligent and patriotic team. He adhered to all existing laws in his activities during his tenure as governor. This biased probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated smear campaign it represents.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) suggested that El-Rufai undergo further comprehensive investigation due to his prominent and influential position in Nigerian politics, where he has been lauded for his initiatives to revamp the public sector and enhance governance in Kaduna State.
In response, Elder Sunday Oibe, the Secretary General of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, emphasized that if the former governor is found guilty of embezzling N423 billion, he must face legal consequences.
NEF spokesperson Abdul-Azeez Suleiman highlighted the importance of analyzing the situation objectively before forming opinions or passing judgments. He underscored the significance of addressing corruption seriously, stressing the need for thorough investigations into any allegations of embezzlement, regardless of the individual involved.
While El-Rufai has been commended for his efforts to reform governance in Kaduna State, the severity of the embezzlement accusations cannot be overlooked. The EFCC, as the anti-corruption agency, must conduct a meticulous and unbiased investigation if these allegations are true.
It is crucial to remember that El-Rufai, like any other individual, is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation must be conducted fairly and transparently, following due process and upholding the rule of law. Justice must be served in accordance with legal procedures.
As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold leaders accountable and demand transparency and integrity in governance. It is essential to stand against corruption collectively and ensure that those who betray public trust face the consequences of their actions. Let us await the EFCC’s investigation and trust in the judicial system to deliver justice.
Elder Oibe emphasized that nobody is above the law, and El-Rufai should be subject to legal proceedings if found culpable. He highlighted the importance of accountability in stewardship and commended the House of Assembly and Governor Uba Sani for their courage in investigating and recommending that El-Rufai be probed by the EFCC. Due diligence in framing charges against him is crucial to prevent any possibility of evasion from accountability. The public is keenly observing the unfolding developments in this matter.
