The Kaduna State House of Assembly has recommended an investigation into former Governor Nasir El-Rufai over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
This follows the submission of a report by the Assembly’s ad hoc committee, which was tasked with examining loans, grants, and project implementations during El-Rufai’s administration.
Henry Zacharia, chairman of the ad hoc committee, presented the findings during a plenary session on Wednesday.
The report alleges that many of the loans obtained under El-Rufai’s administration were not used for their intended purposes and that due process was not followed in securing some of these loans.
The committee accused El-Rufai and his cabinet members of abuse of office, including awarding contracts without due process, diverting public funds, and engaging in money laundering.
The report also criticized the excessive borrowing during El-Rufai’s tenure, which has left Kaduna State heavily indebted.
Speaker of the House, Yusuf Liman, noted that a total of N423 billion was allegedly siphoned by El-Rufai’s administration, leaving the state with substantial liabilities.
The committee called for the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and other implicated officials by security and anti-corruption agencies.
The report also recommended the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, and the chairman of the state universal basic education board.
It urged thorough investigations into key appointees from the previous administration.
Governor Ubah Sani has previously stated that his administration is struggling to pay workers’ salaries due to the significant debts inherited from El-Rufai’s administration.
According to Sani, the state is repaying nearly triple the amount borrowed due to the rise in the exchange rate. The administration inherited $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from El-Rufai’s tenure.
El-Rufai has yet to respond to the allegations.
