On Thursday, dozens of protesters stormed the Kaduna State Government House, demanding the immediate arrest of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Organized by the Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance, the protesters demanded a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct during El-Rufai’s administration.
The protesters displayed placards and sang solidarity songs, calling for the arrest and prosecution of El-Rufai over allegations of misappropriation of N423 billion. They also demanded that Governor Uba Sani invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to probe the matter.
According to the protesters, the allegations include:
* Diversion of N10.5 billion meant for pastoral nomadism and milk production to construct a luxury mall
* Overpayments to contractors and payments to unregistered companies
* Disbursement of funds for incomplete work, totaling over N36.3 billion
* Withdrawal of large sums from the state treasury without proper documentation
* Expenditure of over N11 billion on a non-existent transportation scheme
The protesters noted that the Kaduna State House of Assembly had recommended an investigation into El-Rufai’s financial dealings. They urged Governor Sani to implement relevant sections of the report and forward its findings to anti-corruption agencies for further action.
The group’s leader, Comrade Victor Duniya, addressed journalists, expressing their concerns about financial mismanagement and abuse of power under El-Rufai’s administration.
Following the protest, the group’s leader met with Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe and other state officials behind closed doors to discuss their demands.
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