The Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance, a prominent advocacy group, has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission regarding the alleged misappropriation of N423 billion by the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, and his officials.
During a press conference on Wednesday, the Chairman of KCWGG, Comrade Victor Duniya, announced that the petitions demand immediate investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of El-Rufai and his appointees for their alleged involvement in financial mismanagement, siphoning of funds, and illegal administrative activities during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure as governor.
Responding to questions about El-Rufai’s recent lawsuit against the Kaduna State House of Assembly at the Federal High Court, in which he is seeking N1 billion in damages over a probe committee report, Comrade Duniya remarked, “It is just a delay tactic because justice delayed is justice denied.”
He continued, “But we will continue to voice out our protest to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done. It is unfortunate that El-Rufai, who never obeyed court orders as governor, is now running to the same court to seek protection.”
Comrade Duniya further stated, “Yesterday, the 2nd of July 2024, we officially lodged petitions at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the zonal office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in Kaduna against the former governor of Kaduna State, Mal. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, and many members of his administration that the Kaduna State House of Assembly Ad-hoc report on sourcing and usage of domestic loans from 29th May 2015 to 29th May 2023 indicted.”
“Our petitions requested for immediate investigations, arrests, and prosecutions of Mal. El-Rufai and his appointees that were involved in mismanagement, siphoning, and many illegal financial and administrative activities contained in the report.”
Emphasizing the need for accountability, he said, “Holding the former governor and those that spilled the treasury and shortchanged people’s interest accountable will deter other elected and appointed public officials from mindless looting of public treasury with impunity. We have absolute confidence in the capacity and determination of the anti-graft agencies in combating corruption in Nigeria.”
The petitions by KCWGG highlight a significant move towards seeking accountability and justice for alleged financial misconduct by high-ranking officials in Kaduna State.
