The ad-hoc committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the former governor, Nasir el-Rufai has submitted its report to the House, indictung the administration.
Presenting the report during plenary on Wednesday, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Henry Zacharia, said that most of the loans obtained under the el-Rufai’s administration were not used for the purpose for which they were secured, while in some cases, due process were not followed in securing the loans.
Receiving the report, the Speaker of the Kaduna House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman, said that a total N423 billion was siphoned by the el-Rufai’s administration, while the state was left in huge liabilities.
The committee, therefore, recommended the investigation and prosecution of el-Rufai and some other indicted members of his cabinet by security and anti-corruption agencies for abuse of office through the award of contracts without due process, diversion of public funds and money laundering as well as plunging the State into heavy debt.
The committee also recommended the immediate suspension of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who also served in the same capacity under the el-Rufai’s administration, as well the chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board.
It also recommended thorough investigation of some key appointees of the last administration by appropriate law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.
The committee set up by the Kaduna State House of Assembly was tasked with examining loans, grants and projects implementation from 2015 to 2023, when el-Rufai served as governor of the state.
This development marks a significant turning point in the state’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in governance.