The Kaduna State House of Assembly has established a fact-finding committee to examine all financial transactions, loans, and awarded contracts during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The current Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, recently expressed concern over the significant debt burden left behind by El-Rufai, impacting the state’s financial stability and the ability to meet payroll obligations.
Responding to the situation, Sani emphasized the need to navigate through the inherited financial challenges amounting to billions of Naira for the state’s progress.
In the midst of these revelations, controversies emerged with El-Rufai’s son, Bashir, criticizing the current governor for alleged negligence and governance from a distance.
The ripple effects extended to the suspension of Kano APC Women Leader, Maryam Suleiman, who supported El-Rufai against Governor Sani’s actions.
During a plenary session, the Kano State House of Assembly also initiated an investigation into El-Rufai’s administration by forming a dedicated committee for this purpose.
The committee’s mandate includes scrutinizing the financial transactions, loans, and project executions from 2015 to 2023.
Former Speaker Yusuf Zailani highlighted his efforts to prevent the accumulation of further loans during his tenure in opposition to the prevailing circumstances.
Speaker Alhaji Yusuf Liman urged the committee to engage with past legislative figures and relevant stakeholders for a comprehensive probe.
The Assembly unanimously approved the sharing of El-Rufai’s handover notes to Governor Sani to facilitate the committee’s financial assessment of the state.
The 13-member committee, headed by Aminu Anti and deputy chaired by Yusuf Mugu, is tasked with investigating El-Rufai’s key advisor on investments, Jimi Lawal.
Furthermore, the committee is expected to invite notable personalities such as former speakers, financial commissioners, and market directors for testimonies.
Despite attempts to reach El-Rufai for comments, no response was obtained from his spokesperson, Muyiwa Adekeye.
In support of the investigation, the Kaduna State PDP, led by former Minister of Aviation Hassan Hyat, recommended an independent judicial commission to expedite the process.
Hyat emphasized the importance of a transparent and effective inquiry to recover misappropriated funds and uphold accountability in governance.