The Kaduna State House of Assembly's ad hoc committee uncovers financial mismanagement during Nasir El-Rufai's governance, recommending investigation and prosecution for abuse of office and money laundering.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has taken a bold step by recommending an in-depth investigation into the financial dealings of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. The probe centers around the alleged misappropriation of a staggering N423 billion during his tenure. This recommendation comes on the heels of a comprehensive report submitted by an ad hoc committee tasked with scrutinizing the financial transactions, loans, and contracts awarded during El-Rufai's administration from 2015 to 2023.
During Wednesday's plenary session, committee chairman Henry Zacharia unveiled the findings, shedding light on what appears to be a pattern of financial irregularities. Among the committee's revelations were instances where loans obtained under El-Rufai's leadership were purportedly diverted from their intended purposes. Shockingly, the report also highlighted instances where due process was allegedly bypassed in securing these loans, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability in the state's financial management.
According to Yusuf Liman, the Speaker of the House, the findings suggest that El-Rufai's administration left Kaduna State burdened with significant liabilities due to the misappropriation of funds amounting to N423 billion. Consequently, the committee's recommendations are weighty, calling for thorough investigations and potential legal actions against El-Rufai and other implicated officials.
In addition to advocating for potential prosecution, the committee also urged the immediate suspension of key figures in the administration, including the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who held the same position under El-Rufai's tenure. Furthermore, the committee underscored the importance of conducting a comprehensive probe into the actions of other key appointees from the previous administration to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.
