A cloud of investigation hangs over former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, as the Kaduna State House of Assembly has constituted an ad hoc committee to probe the financial dealings of his administration. This move, seen by many as a long-awaited reckoning, has ignited a firestorm of debate across the state and beyond.
Inheriting a “Lean Treasury” A Successor’s Lament
The decision to launch the probe stemmed from concerns raised by Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s successor, Uba Sani. During a town hall meeting shortly after assuming office, Sani lamented inheriting a “lean treasury” burdened by a “huge debt profile.” He specifically cited N587 million, N85 billion, and N115 billion in various liabilities, painting a picture of a state in dire financial straits.
A Public Outcry
These revelations sparked outrage amongst Kaduna residents and lawmakers alike. The House of Assembly, led by Speaker Yusuf Zailani, swiftly moved to establish an ad-hoc committee tasked with scrutinizing the financial transactions, loans, and contractual liabilities incurred during El-Rufai’s eight-year tenure, which spanned from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023.
The Probe Commences: A Firebrand Committee
The committee, chaired by Hon. Aminu Shaba, a firebrand lawmaker from Zaria, has wasted no time in commencing its investigation. Ex-commissioners, permanent secretaries, former local government chairmen, and other key figures from the El-Rufai administration have been summoned before the committee to provide explanations and documentation related to various projects and financial decisions.
Heavyweights in the Crosshairs
Among those grilled by the committee were heavyweights from El-Rufai’s cabinet, including:
- Thomas Gyang, former Commissioner for Public Works and Infrastructure.
- Ja’afaru Ibrahim Sani, former Commissioner of Education.
- Dr. Manzo Daniel Maigari, former Commissioner of Agriculture.
- Balarabe Aliyu, former administrator of the Zaria Metropolitan Authority.
- Samuel Aruwan, former Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.
Areas of Focus
The committee’s focus areas reportedly include:
- The Sale of Government Properties: This aspect of the probe seeks to determine the transparency and legality of the El-Rufai administration’s sale of public assets. Concerns have been raised regarding the valuation of these properties and the allocation of proceeds.
- Loan Acquisition and Utilization: The committee aims to understand the rationale behind the loans taken by the El-Rufai government, their use, and the current debt servicing obligations they impose on the state.
- Contractual Liabilities: Scrutiny will be placed on the awarding of contracts during the El-Rufai era, with a focus on adherence to due process, cost effectiveness, and potential instances of inflated contracts.
Reactions and Concerns: El-Rufai’s Camp Defiant
The El-Rufai administration has yet to officially respond to the probe. However, supporters of the former governor have taken to social media, defending his record and accusing the current administration of political witch-hunts. They argue that the investigation is a distraction tactic designed to shift focus away from Governor Sani’s own challenges.
A Divided Party?
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party under which both El-Rufai and Sani hold office, has maintained a studied silence. This has fueled speculation of internal divisions within the party, with some members reportedly welcoming the probe as a necessary exercise in transparency.
Public Discourse and Skepticism
The El-Rufai probe has ignited a firestorm of public discourse in Kaduna. Many residents view it as a long-overdue opportunity to hold their former leader accountable for his stewardship of state finances. They hope the investigation will uncover any potential wrongdoings and ensure that public funds were managed responsibly.
However, concerns linger regarding the impartiality of the probe. Some residents express skepticism, fearing the investigation may be politically motivated, particularly considering the opposition party’s dominance in the House of Assembly. They urge the committee to conduct its work with transparency and fairness.
Legal Cautions
Furthermore, legal experts have cautioned against the probe turning into a media spectacle. They emphasize the importance of due process and the need for the committee to uphold the rights of those being investigated.
Accountability and Transparency at Stake
The outcome of the Kaduna Assembly’s probe remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the investigation has captured the public’s imagination and is poised to have a significant impact on Kaduna’s political landscape. Whether it unearths financial improprieties or exonerates the El-Rufai administration, the probe has already served to spark crucial conversations about transparency, accountability, and responsible governance in Nigeria’s most populous state.
A Test for the New Administration
For Governor Sani’s administration, the probe represents a test of its commitment to transparency and good governance. By initiating the investigation, Sani has signaled a willingness to confront the financial legacies of his predecessor head-on. However, the true measure of success will lie in the impartiality and thoroughness of the probe, as well as the administration’s willingness to act on its findings, regardless of political affiliations or personal loyalties.
A Precedent for Future Accountability
Beyond Kaduna, the probe’s outcome could set a precedent for accountability in Nigeria’s political landscape. If conducted fairly and transparently, it could serve as a model for other states to emulate, fostering a culture of responsible governance and financial oversight. Conversely, if the investigation is perceived as a politically motivated witch-hunt, it could further erode public trust in institutions and undermine efforts to promote accountability.
Restoring Public Trust
As the Kaduna Assembly’s probe unfolds, all eyes will be on the committee’s ability to navigate the complex web of financial transactions, contracts, and decisions made during El-Rufai’s tenure. The public’s thirst for transparency and accountability must be balanced against the need for due process and respect for the rights of those under investigation.
Ultimately, the success of the probe will be measured not only by its findings but also by its ability to restore public trust in the governance of Kaduna State. If conducted with integrity and impartiality, the investigation has the potential to usher in a new era of responsible leadership and financial stewardship, setting a precedent that extends far beyond the borders of Kaduna.
