By Austine Emmanuel, Kaduna
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed its commitment to the June 5, 2024, investigative report that indicted former Governor Nasir El-Rufai for alleged financial mismanagement, totaling over N432 billion.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Dahiru Liman, issued this declaration on Monday while receiving a delegation of protesters at Lugard House.
Led by Ambassador Yerima Shettima of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative and Aliyu Muhammad of the Coalition of Kaduna Stakeholders Forum, the group demanded transparency regarding the progress of the probe and the status of justice for the state.
Addressing the demonstrators, Speaker Liman characterized their demands for accountability as a legitimate exercise of their constitutional rights.
He emphasized that the Assembly remains unified across party lines in its support of the investigative findings.
However, he clarified the legal boundaries of the legislature’s power, noting that while the House can investigate and indict, it cannot prosecute.
“We stand by our report. The House carried out its constitutional responsibility without fear or favor,” Liman stated. “Our duty is to conduct investigations and forward findings to the appropriate authorities. Prosecution remains the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.”
The stakeholders’ formal petition, presented during the visit, paints a grim picture of the previous administration’s financial dealings.
Key allegations include the misappropriation of N423 billion in loans and state funds, the diversion of N1.37 billion meant for a light rail project into private accounts, and the laundering of N64.8 million by senior aides.
Beyond financial concerns, the petition highlighted a pattern of alleged human rights violations. These include the controversial handling of the Zaria crisis, the demolition of private homes and businesses, and the illegal detention of community leaders. The group described the former administration’s governance style as authoritarian and intolerant of dissent.
The stakeholders urged anti-corruption agencies to act with independence and thoroughness, warning that allowing the former governor to evade a full investigation would undermine democratic institutions.
They also called upon the media to maintain vigilant reporting, asserting that “no individual is bigger than the law.”
Liman concluded the session by reassuring the public that the Assembly remains committed to due process, urging all citizens to remain law-abiding while demanding accountability.
