The member representing Zaria constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Mahmud Lawal, has described ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s decision to pursue legal action over allegations that he misappropriated N432 billion as “laughable”.
Speaking to newsmen in Kaduna, Lawal expressed disappointment at what he described as El-Rufai’s sudden interest in the judiciary after neglecting it for so long.
He stated that El-Rufai seems to have conveniently forgotten the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution, which mandates non-interference between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
“Does he (El-Rufai) believe that by resorting to legal action, he can obstruct the legislature from carrying out its constitutional duties?”
The lawmaker noted that Kaduna State had never experienced such blatant misuse of public funds as recorded under El-Rufai’s tenure, “where funds were misappropriated under the guise of project implementation”.
He explained that the claimed expenditures were significantly disproportionate to the actual work accomplished.
“For instance, let me illustrate what occurred at Kofar Doka in Zaria, my constituency. Billions of Naira were purportedly allocated for road projects, but tragically, the only visible activity was bulldozers demolishing people’s homes, rendering them homeless,” he said.
Lawal further criticized the projects carried out by the El-Rufa’i administration in Kaduna State, alleging that they were primarily aimed at personal enrichment, with little regard for the welfare of the citizens of the state.
He pointed out the deteriorating condition of roads from Unguwar Dosa to Malali and the questionable work undertaken at Kasuwar Magani in Kajuru, stressing that the shops started to wear off even before occupation by traders.
The most brazen display of dishonesty, according to him was the Metropolitan Rail Line Project for which a substantial amount of money in billions was allocated.
“What happened to the project? Where is the money? The only evidence seems to be paper records indicating spending on surveys and map design,” he noted.
Lawal stated that the public funds allegedly misappropriated by El-Rufai’s administration under the guise of projects execution amount to more than N432 billion.
He called on the people of the state to support the probe committee in the efforts to recover the funds for the benefit of all.