Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has vehemently denied allegations of corruption during his tenure, stating that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve the people, not to accumulate wealth or misappropriate public funds.
In a recent Hausa program aired on Freedom Radio, Kaduna, El-Rufai dismissed allegations of financial misconduct, emphasizing that he was already financially content before assuming office.
The Kaduna State House of Assembly had earlier indicted El-Rufai’s administration for misappropriating over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure. However, El-Rufai and his associates have consistently denied these accusations, labeling them as politically motivated.
El-Rufai boldly declared, “I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor.” He also expressed willingness to swear on the Quran to prove his innocence, provided other former governors and current leaders do the same.
The former governor expressed frustration over the allegations, pointing out the lack of clear evidence regarding the missing funds or those responsible.
El-Rufai claimed his allies were being targeted by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as part of a smear campaign against him.
El-Rufai has instructed his lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing his name but remains focused on activities like reading and writing. He emphasized that service to the people continues even after leaving office, stating, “You don’t need to hold a position in government to serve.” El-Rufai plans to return to politics in 2027 after completing his studies, remarking,
“There is no retirement in politics. God willing, we will return and continue serving the people.”
This development comes after the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance, a civil society group, petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to arrest and prosecute El-Rufai for alleged misappropriation of funds
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