The ad hoc committee established by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to scrutinize the finances, loans, and contracts awarded during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai has formally submitted its findings to the House. In a detailed presentation during the plenary session on Wednesday, Henry Zacharia, the chairman of the ad hoc committee, outlined several significant concerns regarding the financial practices of El-Rufai’s administration.
According to Zacharia, a substantial portion of the loans secured under El-Rufai’s governance were not utilized for their intended purposes. He pointed out that, in numerous instances, the proper procedures were bypassed when obtaining these loans, leading to questionable financial practices that have now come under legislative scrutiny.
Upon receiving the report, Yusuf Liman, the Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, expressed grave concerns over the committee’s revelations. Liman stated that the El-Rufai administration allegedly siphoned off a staggering N423 billion, leaving the state with substantial financial liabilities. This revelation has prompted calls for a deeper investigation into the former governor’s financial management.
The committee’s report has sparked serious allegations against El-Rufai and some members of his cabinet. It recommends that security and anti-corruption agencies undertake a thorough investigation and subsequent prosecution of El-Rufai and other implicated officials. The charges include abuse of office, awarding contracts without following due process, diverting public funds, and money laundering. These alleged activities have reportedly plunged Kaduna State into heavy debt, significantly affecting its financial stability.
Furthermore, the committee has called for the immediate suspension of Shizer Badda, the current Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, who also held the same position during El-Rufai’s administration. In addition, the report recommends the suspension of the chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board. Both officials are to be investigated for their roles in the financial irregularities uncovered during the committee’s investigation.
The committee also emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the activities of key appointees from the previous administration. It urged appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to meticulously examine the conduct of these individuals to ensure accountability and justice.
The mandate of the ad hoc committee, established by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, was to rigorously examine the management of loans, grants, and project implementations from 2015 to 2023, the period during which El-Rufai served as the governor. Their report, now a focal point of significant political and public interest, underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.
As the controversy unfolds, it is clear that the findings of the ad hoc committee will have far-reaching implications for the political landscape in Kaduna State. The allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption against a high-profile former governor like Nasir El-Rufai highlight the critical need for robust oversight mechanisms within government institutions. The unfolding events will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both the public and political stakeholders, as the state seeks to address the alleged financial improprieties and restore confidence in its governance systems.
