PDP Chieftain Urges Thorough Investigation Into El-Rufai’s Tenure Amid Allegations of Misappropriating N423 Billion

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader in Kaduna State, Isa Rabiu, has called on former Governor Nasir El-Rufai to allow a full and transparent investigation into his eight-year administration rather than making claims of innocence.

This follows El-Rufai’s recent denial of allegations that he embezzled state funds during his tenure as governor. The Kaduna State House of Assembly had previously accused El-Rufai’s administration of misappropriating over N423 billion, claims which both El-Rufai and his allies have rejected, calling it a political witch hunt by the Assembly and the current state government.

Speaking on a Hausa program on Freedom Radio in Kaduna on Tuesday, El-Rufai reiterated his stance, stating that his foray into politics was motivated by a desire to serve the people, not for personal enrichment.

He asserted that he had been financially secure before becoming governor and dismissed the accusations of financial wrongdoing, noting that they lacked specifics.

However, in a conversation with journalists, PDP’s Isa Rabiu criticized El-Rufai’s quick denial and urged patience for a thorough investigation to be concluded. He emphasized that El-Rufai should refrain from making statements about his innocence until the inquiry is finalized.

Rabiu stated, “Former governor El-Rufai should wait patiently for the final investigation before uttering anything against his predecessors or swearing with the Quran on what transpired during the eight years of his administration in Kaduna State.”

Rabiu also recalled that El-Rufai had initiated a petition against former Kaduna Governor Senator Ahmed Makarfi, which led to an investigation into Makarfi’s administration.

He further criticized El-Rufai’s past actions, saying, “To be honest, from all indications, El-Rufai lacks discipline, self-control, and focus to do the right thing than swearing with the holy Quran. The same El-Rufai ran away to a foreign country during the regime of late President Yar’Adua and only returned after Yar’Adua’s death in 2010, making unnecessary comments against the late President.”

Rabiu concluded by urging the Kaduna State government, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds under El-Rufai’s administration.