In a recent development, the Kaduna House of Assembly Committee has submitted a report following its probe into alleged corruption and financial irregularities during the tenure of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The ad hoc committee, chaired by Henry Zacharia, presented its findings during a plenary session on Wednesday.
The committee’s investigation, which focused on loans, grants, and project implementation from 2015 to 2023, revealed significant discrepancies.
It was disclosed that most loans obtained during El-Rufai’s administration were not utilized for their intended purposes, and due process was not followed in securing some of these loans.
The report accused the former governor and his cabinet members of abuse of office, awarding contracts without due process, diverting public funds, and money laundering.
Furthermore, the excessive borrowing during El-Rufai’s tenure was highlighted as a key factor that has led to the heavy debt burden currently faced by Kaduna State.
During the plenary, the Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, revealed that a staggering amount of funds, totaling N423 billion, was allegedly siphoned by the El-Rufai administration, leaving the state with substantial liabilities.
As a result of the committee’s findings, the Speaker directed that the security and anti-corruption agencies undertake an investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai and other indicted officials.
Furthermore, the report recommended the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, and the chairman of the state universal basic education board.
Additionally, the committee called for thorough investigations into key appointees from the past administration.
Governor Ubah Sani articulated the challenges faced by the current administration, citing difficulties in paying workers’ salaries due to the significant debts inherited from the previous administration.
He noted that the administration inherited $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities, expressing concern over the increased repayment amount resulting from the rise in the exchange rate.
